Stamford Public Schools public meetings in 2022

Special Board Meeting

The Board of Education is convening a special meeting to conduct the election of officers. The agenda consists of opening procedures, the election process, and adjournment.

• Election of Officers

Regular Board Meeting

The Stamford Board of Education will vote on board goals for the 2022–2023 school year, approve consent resolutions updating grading and graduation policies, and set meeting dates for 2023. The board will also hold an executive session on custodian negotiations. Public comment is available with prior sign-up.

• Approval of board goals for 2022–2023 (Resolution 10-25-22:89)
• Consent agenda includes Policy 6146.3 (grading) and Policy 6146 (graduation requirements)
• Approval of all Board of Education meeting dates for January–December 2023 (Resolution 12-06-22:106)
• Executive session on custodian negotiations

Special Board Meeting

This is a special board meeting with only procedural items: call to order, approval of draft minutes from the regular meeting on November 22, 2022, and adjournment. No substantive policy decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Approval of draft minutes from the Regular Board Meeting on 11/22/22

Regular Board Meeting

The Stamford Board of Education will vote on Resolution 10-25-22:89 approving board goals for the 2022-2023 school year and Resolution 11-22-22:105 approving a contract settlement with the Stamford Administrative Unit for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026. The consent agenda includes numerous policy changes (student privacy, records, smoke-free environment, FAFSA, graduation requirements, grading) and educational specifications for facility improvements at several schools. Committee reports and public comment time are also scheduled.

• Vote on Resolution 10-25-22:89 approving Board of Education goals for 2022–2023
• Vote on Resolution 11-22-22:105 approving contract settlement with Stamford Administrative Unit (SAU) for 2023–2026
• Consent resolutions: Policy 5116 (Student Privacy), Policy 5115 (Student Records), Policy 5130 (Smoke-Free), Policy 6148 (FAFSA), Policy 6146 (Graduation), Policy 6146.3 (Grading)
• Educational specifications for mechanical improvements, boiler work, and other upgrades at Westover, Stark, Stamford High, Rippowam, Northeast, Newfield, Davenport, and Cloonan schools
• Resolution 104 related to Special Education OOD and Resolution 92 for MSOP

Special TLC Committee Meeting

The committee will vote on a resolution to approve the updated Magnet School Operations Plan covering July 2022 to June 2027. They will also review remote learning via CABE, discuss the School Climate Survey Response, and receive a timeline for the Curriculum Audit Response.

• Resolution 11-22-22:92 to approve updated Magnet School Operations Plan for 2022-2027
• Discussion on School Climate Survey Response
• Remote Learning Review - CABE
• Curriculum Audit Response - Timeline

Special Policy Committee Meeting - Amended

The Stamford Public Schools Policy Committee will discuss having CABE conduct an audit of district policies and consider first reads of two revised policies: Graduation Requirements (Policy 6146) and Grading and Weighting of Grades (Policy 6146.3). Both resolutions are up for action at this special meeting.

• Discussion on CABE conducting an audit of SPS policies
• Resolution 90: approval of revised Policy 6146 – Graduation Requirements (first read)
• Resolution 91: approval of revised Policy 6146.3 – Grading and Weighting of Grades (first read)

Special Labor Committee Meeting

The Stamford Public Schools Special Labor Committee will discuss an update on the SAU contract and proposed changes to Policy 2001. A draft of Policy 2001 is attached for review. The meeting is a special session focused on labor-related matters.

• SAU contract update
• Discussion of changes to Policy 2001 with a draft attached

Regular Board Meeting

The Stamford Board of Education will meet remotely to approve the board goals for the 2022–2023 school year. The board will also vote on a consent agenda that includes minutes from previous meetings and several resolutions updating student policies, budgeting, and privacy rules. Committee chairs will provide updates on fiscal, policy, labor, and operations matters.

• Approval of board goals for the 2022–2023 school year (Resolution 10-25-22)
• Consent resolutions updating policies on homeless students, bullying, student records, and privacy
• Approval of the amended capital budget resolution for fiscal years 2023-2024
• Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero’s report and updates from the Fiscal, Policy, and Labor committees
• Public comment guidelines for remote meetings, including a three-minute speaking limit and interpreter requests

Special Operations Committee Meeting

The Stamford Public Schools Special Operations Committee will discuss capital projects for facilities, technology, and security, with part of the meeting expected to be held in executive session. They will also vote on a resolution to accept the recommended capital projects for Fiscal Year 2023/2024.

• Resolution to accept capital projects for FY2023/2024
• Discussion on capital projects for facilities, technology, and security
• Anticipated executive session for portion of the meeting

Fiscal Committee Meeting

The Fiscal Committee will consider two action items: accepting a $120,000 bequest for scholarships for AITE students, and approving $631,184 in out-of-district tuition placements for four special education students. Both items are recommended by the Superintendent and require Board of Education approval.

• Resolution 86: Accept $120,000 bequest from Ms. Eve Janette Gray for scholarships for AITE students
• Resolution 87: Approve $631,184 for 2022-23 out-of-district tuition for 4 special education students

Policy Committee Meeting

The Policy Committee will discuss and recommend approval of five Board policies (first read): Policy 5005 on bullying, Policy 6148 on FAFSA completion, Policy 5130 on smoke-free environment, Policy 5115 on student records and confidentiality, and Policy 5116 on student privacy. All are proposed by the Superintendent and require full Board approval. The meeting is a committee step before a full board vote.

• Policy 5005 – Bullying (first read, Resolution 10-25-22: 80)
• Policy 6148 – FAFSA Completion Program (first read, Resolution 10-25-22: 81)
• Policy 5130 – Students Smoke-Free Environment (first read, Resolution 10-25-22: 82)
• Policy 5115 – Student Records and Confidentiality (first read, Resolution 10-25-22: 83)
• Policy 5116 – Student Privacy (first read, Resolution 10-25-22: 84)

Special Board Meeting

The Stamford Board of Education will vote on appointing a Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment – Secondary. They will also discuss flexibilities for Connecticut educator evaluation guidelines and receive hiring updates for support staff and other positions. A portion of the meeting may be held in executive session for HR matters.

• Resolution 10-11-22: 85 to approve appointment of Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment – Secondary (name to be filled)
• Discussion of flexibilities for implementing CT Guidelines for Educator Evaluation
• Update on 2022-2023 school year hiring for support staff and general vacancies
• Possible executive session for HR update

TLC Committee Meeting

The TLC Committee will discuss the final summary of a curriculum audit and review state student assessment data including SAT, SBAC, and NGSS. They will also review School Improvement Plans. No votes on these items are scheduled; the only action item is adjournment.

• Discussion of Curriculum Audit Final Summary (4,649 KB report)
• Review of SAT, SBAC, and NGSS state assessment documentation
• School Improvement Plan (SIP) Review
• No items with dollar amounts or contracts listed

Workshop Meeting

The Stamford Public Schools Board will hold a workshop meeting to discuss the 2022-2023 Board Goals. At least a portion of this discussion is anticipated to occur in executive session, which is closed to the public. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom.

• Discussion of 2022-2023 Board Goals, with anticipated executive session for at least part of the discussion

Regular Board Meeting

The Stamford Public Schools Board will consider a consent agenda approving multiple policy resolutions, including updates on bullying, weapons, homeless students, and sabbatical leave. Committee reports from Fiscal, Policy, Labor, TLC, and Operations will be presented, along with the Superintendent's report. Public comment is allowed via advance sign-up.

• Consent agenda includes resolutions on policies for bullying (5005), homeless students (5007), weapons (Policy 6114), and employee protection (4148)
• Resolution 78 on Special Education Out-of-District placements under Fiscal Committee
• Resolution 77 on Policy 6161.31 Comparability of Services under Policy Committee
• Resolution 79 on Superintendent's Goals under Labor Committee
• Approval of draft minutes from five previous meetings

Operations Committee Meeting

The Operations Committee will hold a discussion on excessive heat conditions in schools. The committee will also discuss a transportation contract, with a portion of that discussion anticipated to occur in executive session. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda; all items are discussions.

• Excessive Heat Discussion
• Transportation Contract Discussion (anticipated executive session)

Special Board Meeting

The Stamford Public Schools Board will hold a special meeting via Zoom to receive an update on bus safety and security. At least a portion of the discussion is anticipated to occur in executive session, which is closed to the public. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Update on bus safety and security, with part of the meeting in executive session

Policy Committee Meeting

The Stamford Public Schools Policy Committee will consider resolutions to approve first readings of four new policies: Bullying (Policy 5005), Homeless Students (Policy 5007), Behavior (Policy 5131), and Comparability of Services (Policy 6161.31). These are action items that, if passed, will be recommended to the full Board of Education.

• Resolution 09-28-22:74 – first reading of Policy 5005 on bullying
• Resolution 09-28-22:75 – first reading of Policy 5007 on homeless students
• Resolution 09-28-22:76 – first reading of Policy 5131 on behavior
• Resolution 09-28-22:77 – first reading of Policy 6161.31 on comparability of services

Labor Committee Meeting

The Labor Committee will consider a resolution approving a sabbatical leave for teacher Ruth Walden for the 2022-2023 school year. The committee will also receive updates on recruiting efforts and ongoing union negotiations.

• Approval of sabbatical leave for Ruth Walden (Resolution 09-28-22: 73) for the 2022-2023 school year
• Update on recruiting efforts for school staff
• Update on union negotiations

Workshop Meeting

The Stamford Board of Education will hold a workshop meeting to discuss the 2022-2023 Superintendent Goals and the 2022-2023 Board Goals. It is anticipated that at least part of the meeting will occur in executive session. The meeting is conducted via Zoom.

• Discussion of 2022-2023 Superintendent Goals (anticipated executive session)
• Discussion of 2022-2023 Board Goals (anticipated executive session)

Regular Board Meeting

This is a regular board meeting of the Stamford Public Schools containing mostly procedural and routine business. The board will hear a superintendent's report, public comment, and various committee updates, and consider approval of consent minutes and resolutions.

• Public comment period with sign-up required one hour before the meeting
• Consent agenda for approving minutes and resolutions by a single motion
• Reports from Labor, TLC, Fiscal, Operations, and Policy committees
• Board reports including Alliance for Black Achievement and Cradle-to-Career

The Board of Education approved several first-read policy updates and multiple service contracts. Key financial approvals included out-of-district tuition for special education students and facility improvements. One contract amendment for ventilation and controls was approved after a failed motion to modify it.

• Approved $4,846,255 for 34 special education students requiring out-of-district tuition (9-0-0)
• Approved $395,125 contract amendment with Environmental Systems Corporation for ventilation study and controls projects (8-1-0)
• Approved $226,800 contract with Applied Behavioral Strategies for BCBA and RBT services (9-0-0)
• Approved $112,840 contract with Bartholomew Company for gym refinishing at Cloonan, Rippowam, and Rogers schools (9-0-0)
• Approved educational specifications for Stamford High School roof replacement and grant application filing (9-0-0)
• First-read approval of policies regarding Community Relations, Administrative Reports, Security Buildings and Grounds, Employee Protection, Reporting to Parents, Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness, and Weapons and Dangerous Instruments (9-0-0)
• Denied motion to remove 2022 Ventilation Study from Resolution 08-23-22: 68 (1-8-0)

Fiscal Committee Meeting

The Stamford Public Schools Fiscal Committee will vote on contracts totaling over $5.5 million, including a $4.8 million expenditure for out-of-district tuition for 34 special education students. Other action items include a $395,125 amendment for HVAC ventilation and controls projects, a $112,840 contract for gym floor refinishing at three schools, and a $226,800 contract for behavioral therapy services. The committee will also receive a budget overview presentation.

• Resolution 71: $4,846,255 for 2022-23 out-of-district tuition for 34 special education students
• Resolution 68: $395,125 amendment for 2022 Ventilation Study, Portable Classroom Controls Phase II, and Vacuum Pump Controls Phase I
• Resolution 69: $112,840 contract with Bartholomew Company for gym floor refinishing at Cloonan, Rippowam, and Rogers schools
• Resolution 70: $226,800 contract with Applied Behavioral Strategies for BCBA and RBT services
• Budget Overview Presentation for FY22 financial summary

The Fiscal Committee approved four resolutions regarding school contracts and tuition. These include funding for special education services, HVAC projects, and gym floor refinishing. A budget overview presentation was also conducted.

• Approved $4,846,255 for 2022-23 out-of-district tuition for 34 special education students (4-0-0)
• Approved $395,125 contract amendment with Environmental Systems Corporation for HVAC and ventilation projects (4-0-0)
• Approved $226,800 contract with Applied Behavioral Strategies for BCBA and RBT services (4-0-0)
• Approved $112,840 contract with Bartholomew Company for gym refinishing at Cloonan, Rippowam, and Rogers schools (4-0-0)

Operations Committee Meeting

The Operations Committee will consider a resolution to approve educational specifications for the Stamford High roof replacement project and authorize a school construction grant application. Updates will be provided on repairs projects for FY23 Quarter 4, summer projects, and the Westhill school construction master plan.

• Resolution 08-23-22: 72 to approve Stamford High roof replacement educational specifications and file grant application
• New agenda item for Repairs Projects and New Work Project for FY23 Quarter 4
• Summer Project Update
• Westhill School Construction and Master Plan Update

Policy Committee Meeting

The Stamford Public Schools Policy Committee will consider recommendations to approve seven board policies, including new rules on cell phone use, weapons, and emergency preparedness. Each resolution, if approved by the full Board, would adopt a specific policy drafted by the superintendent.

• Resolution 65: Policy 5131.81 – Cell Phone
• Resolution 67: Policy – Guns and Dangerous Weapons (Weapons and Dangerous Instruments)
• Resolution 60: Policy 1100 – Community Relations
• Resolution 62: Policy 3517 – Security Buildings and Grounds
• Resolution 66: Policy 6114 – Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness

The Policy Committee approved the first read of seven board policies and the final approval of one cell phone policy. All resolutions passed with unanimous 5-0-0 votes.

• Approved Policy 1100 - Community Relations (First Read) (5-0-0)
• Approved Policy 2232/2500 - Administration- Administrative Reports (First Read) (5-0-0)
• Approved Policy 3517 - Security Buildings and Grounds (First Read) (5-0-0)
• Approved Policy 4148 - Employee Protection (First Read) (5-0-0)
• Approved Policy 5124 - Reporting to Parents (First Read) (5-0-0)
• Approved Policy 5131.81 - Cell Phone (5-0-0)
• Approved Policy 6114 - Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness (First Read) (5-0-0)
• Approved Policy - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments (First Read) (5-0-0)

Special Board Meeting

The Stamford Public Schools Board will vote on a tentative 2022‑2025 stipend agreement with the State Education Agency. The Board will also consider appointments for an Associate Superintendent for School Development and an Executive Director of Access and Opportunity – Secondary. Both appointments are proposed to take effect immediately or on September 1, 2022. The meeting includes an Educator Rising program update before adjournment.

• Approve tentative 2022‑2025 SEA stipend agreement (Resolution 57)
• Approve appointment of Associate Superintendent for School Development (Resolution 58)
• Approve appointment of Executive Director of Access and Opportunity – Secondary (Resolution 59)
• Educator Rising program update

The Board of Education appointed Dr. Lori Rhodes and Matthew Laskowski to administrative roles. The Board also approved a tentative agreement regarding 2022-2025 stipends for the SEA.

• Approved appointment of Dr. Lori Rhodes as Associate Superintendent for School Development (5-3-1)
• Approved appointment of Matthew Laskowski as Executive Director of Access and Opportunity - Secondary (9-0-0)
• Approved tentative agreement on 2022-2025 SEA stipends dated July 21, 2022 (8-0-0)

TLC Committee Meeting

The Teaching and Learning Committee will hear a presentation on the Foundational Literacy Skills Assessment (FLSA), receive summer school highlights, and discuss curriculum and block scheduling updates. No votes or binding decisions are scheduled; the meeting consists of informational updates and discussion.

• Presentation on Foundational Literacy Skills Assessment (FLSA)
• Summer School Highlights discussion
• Curriculum and Block Scheduling Updates

The meeting consisted of presentations and discussions regarding FLSA, summer school highlights, and curriculum and block scheduling updates. No substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Education will meet via Zoom to review various committee reports and consent agenda items. A primary action item involves a resolution to add 15.0 full-time equivalent security workers.

• Resolution to add 15.0 FTE Security Workers at a cost of $840,000
• Resolution 50: Challenging Curriculum Policy
• Resolution 49: advanced courses
• Resolution 48: gifted and talented

The Board of Education approved the addition of 15.0 FTEs for security workers. The Board also passed three policies regarding gifted students and advanced course eligibility.

• Approved 15.0 FTEs for additional Security Workers at a cost of $840,000 (5-2-1)
• Approved Board Policy 6172.1 – Gifted and Talented Students Program (8-0-0)
• Approved Board Policy 6141.51 – Advanced Courses or Programs, Eligibility Criteria for Enrollment (8-0-0)
• Approved Board Policy 6141.52 – Challenging Curriculum Policy (Criteria for Identification of Eligible Grade 8, 9 students) (8-0-0)
• Denied motion to table Resolution 07-26-22: 70 regarding security workers (3-5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Stamford Board of Education will vote on amending Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero's contract to a new term from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, and on resolutions creating a Director of Talent Recruitment and Retention and appointing a Director of Special Education. The board will also discuss adding 14 full-time security workers. A consent agenda includes resolutions on gifted/talented policy, advanced courses, the 2022-2023 school calendar, a budget transfer, and multiple vendor contracts. The board will also adopt a midterm and final examination policy for high schools.

• Resolution 55: Amends superintendent contract to July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
• Resolution 52: Approves job description for Director of Talent Recruitment and Retention
• Resolution 68: Appoints Director of Special Education (name not listed) effective July 1, 2022
• Discussion of adding 14 full-time equivalent security workers
• Consent agenda includes resolutions on gifted/talented, advanced courses, revised 2022-2023 school calendar, budget transfer, and multiple vendor contracts

Fiscal Committee Meeting

The Fiscal Committee is considering a $1,819,000 operating budget transfer and several contracts over $100,000. Notable contracts include a $13,902,311 multi-year agreement with Constellation School Based Therapy for occupational and physical therapy, and other contracts for BCBA services, music/art therapy, and enrichment programs. An elevator modernization project at Westhill AgriScience for $196,224 is also up for approval.

• Resolution 06-28-22:57: $1,819,000 operating budget transfer from Operations
• Resolution 06-28-22:63: $13,902,311 contract with Constellation School Based Therapy for OT/PT through 2027-28
• Resolution 06-28-22:58: $196,224 elevator modernization contract with Champion Elevator at Westhill AgriScience
• Resolution 06-28-22:60: $270,900 contract with Applied Behavioral Strategies for BCBA services
• Resolution 06-28-22:62: $846,000 contract with Concordia Conservatory for Music & Art Therapy

The Fiscal Committee approved a series of contracts for behavioral, music, and art therapy services, as well as an elevator modernization project. The committee also authorized a 2021-22 operating budget transfer. All resolutions passed with unanimous 5-0-0 votes.

• Approved 2021-22 Operating Budget transfer of $1,819,000 (5-0-0)
• Approved Champion Elevator contract for Westhill AgriScience modernization not to exceed $196,224 (5-0-0)
• Approved Constellation School Based Therapy, LLC contract for BCBA services for $190,000 (5-0-0)
• Approved Applied Behavioral Strategies contract for BCBA services for $270,900 (5-0-0)
• Approved Education Based Services contract for BCBA services for $165,600 (5-0-0)
• Approved Concordia Conservatory, Inc. contract for Music & Art Therapy for $846,000 (5-0-0)
• Approved Constellation School Based Therapy, LLC aggregate contract through 2027-28 for $13,902,311 (5-0-0)
• Approved Domus Kids Inc. contract through 2024-25 for $840,000 (5-0-0)

Operations Committee Meeting

The Operations Committee will receive a presentation and discuss school safety and security. No decisions or votes are scheduled; this is a discussion item only.

• Presentation and discussion on school safety and security, supported by a memo

The committee held a discussion on school safety and security led by Dr. Lucero. The committee then voted to enter an executive session. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved motion to go into Executive Session (5-0-0)

Labor Committee Meeting

The Labor Committee will vote on a revised 2022-2023 school calendar that includes considerations for Muslim holidays. The committee is also set to approve job descriptions for two new administrative positions: Director of Talent Recruitment and Retention and Principal of Access and Opportunity - Secondary. Additionally, the committee will discuss and vote on labor contracts, including a tentative agreement with paraeducators and an extension of the superintendent's contract.

• Resolution to approve revised 2022-2023 school calendar with Muslim holidays
• Tentative agreement with Paraeducators of Stamford Association effective July 1, 2022
• Amendment to superintendent's contract extending term to June 30, 2025
• Job description for Director of Talent Recruitment and Retention
• Job description for Principal of Access and Opportunity - Secondary

The committee approved the 2022-2023 school calendar, a tentative agreement with paraeducators, and a contract extension for the Superintendent. A job description for the Executive Director of Access and Opportunity - Secondary was approved, while the Director of Talent Recruitment and Retention description was postponed.

• Approved revised 2022-2023 School Calendar (5-0-0)
• Postponed job description for Director of Talent Recruitment and Retention until June 28, 2022 (5-0-0)
• Approved job description for Executive Director of Access and Opportunity - Secondary (5-0-0)
• Approved Tentative Agreement with Paraeducators of Stamford Association effective July 1, 2022 (5-0-0)
• Approved Superintendent of Schools contract term from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025 (3-2-0)