SHERMAN – Following the Pledge of Allegiance at the Sherman School’s regular Board of Education (“BOE” or “BOARD”) meeting on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, Part-time Superintendent Patricia Cosentino jumped right in, advising the Board of “celebrations” recognized by the district, including Paraprofessional Day. “Paras” were recognized with plants and gift cards. “I just want to give a big Thank You to them; they are wonderful, wonderful ladies and two gentlemen who work very, very hard… They are the backbone of our school,” Dr. Pat said. The Superintendent also recognized the district’s occupational therapists and three administrative assistants. “We thank everybody for their service.”
New on the agenda was discussion of options, logistics, and potential costs to regionalize the Sherman School District. BOE Chair Matt Vogt pointed out, it has become clear that it will be “massively expensive” to repair and/or renovate the current school building. The topic sparked questions whether Sherman needs a school or if alternatives – like regionalization – were considered. The Board’s due diligence requires that such alternatives be analyzed and considered. Mr. Vogt was quick to point out that neither the BOE, the Building Committee nor the Board of Selectmen has shown any interest in regionalization as an option. He also made clear, “The Sherman School District will remain in operation as it is today for the foreseeable future and no changes would even be possible until a lengthy review process could take place.”
The Town previously considered regionalization. In a referendum, held April 14, 1967, the Town voted not to join Region 12 prior to the construction of the school’s “D Wing.” Mr. Vogt explained the difference between what currently is an option to maintain a Pre-K – Grade 5 school and regionalization, which is a legal agreement/contracted partnership with another town to share resources. Mr. Vogt said some have, informally, heard that neither New Fairfield nor New Milford school district has room for Sherman students. He has heard that Washington or Region 12 has room, but such a change would require a lengthy process.
Mr. Vogt voiced his opposition, off the bat, to regionalization of the entire district, in part, as such would require busing the Town’s youngest residents, several hours each day, “two towns” over to attend school. He questioned whether the only other “viable option” – regionalization of the middle school – would save taxpayers any money. When mentioning reasons why people move to, and stay in, Sherman, Mr. Vogt said, “This is a much bigger discussion than just what our bottom-line budget numbers are.” The overwhelming consensus of the Board was – what is the overall impact on the Town and its children? Many shared personal stories about why their families chose to move to Sherman to raise their families. The school is considered the heart of the Town, the heart of the community, and the relationships built and fostered there, relationships that members of the Board noted last a lifetime, more so than relationships built in high school.
First Selectman Don Lowe, residents, and even school-aged children attended the meeting – virtually and in person – to speak regarding regionalization of the school, and proposed cuts to the BOE budget, which includes a reduction in staff resulting in increased class size. One resident was tearful in her plea to “protect our students,” voicing her opposition to regionalization.
If Sherman were to regionalize the entire school, it would be the only town in the state without a local school. Mr. Vogt noted more information is needed before discussing potential costs of regionalization. The topic is likely to continue as an agenda item at future meetings.
Discussion was had regarding student chromebooks and a change in practice to require eighth grade students to return school-issued chromebooks prior to graduation. Currently, the practice allows graduating students to keep chromebooks; however, Dr. Karen Fildes noted that students are provided new chromebooks upon entering high school. A change in practice would allow the school to re-purpose and re-use returned chromebooks.
The Board voted for a one-year extension to the current High School tuition contract with New Fairfield Public Schools.
Board Member Tim Laughlin discussed the modified educational specification square feet allocations and associated space planning, commenting that there are a lot of moving parts to a modification of the specifications. Three proposed options were submitted via email to Board members prior to the meeting. Mr. Laughlin asked the Board to review from a “value perspective.” Further discussion on this topic is expected.
“I was blown away,” said Mr. Vogt when describing the performance of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Piggy-backing Mr. Vogt’s positive review, Dr. Pat thanked all involved in the production. She provided an update on the work accomplished by staff during the recent professional development day – including revamping of the reading program to The Science of Reading. “These PD days are very important to us, so we thank you for that,” she said. She noted the continuation of the Inter-generational programs, indicating that seniors really appreciate them. Dr. Pat encouraged all to read the Wednesday weekly newsletters for information on upcoming events.
The Board voted on June 16, 2023, as Graduation Day.
The next regular Board of Education Meeting is scheduled on May 3, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the LMC and via Zoom.
By Michelle L. Santoro