By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – The Sherman School Board of Education (“BOE” or “Board”) met for its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, before a larger than usual audience. Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cosentino began by recognizing the Sherman students who are this year’s recipients of the Connecticut Association of Public-School Superintendents (“CAPPS”) Student of the Year and the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (“CABE”) Student Leadership awards.

Every year, CAPPS recognizes eighth grade and high school students who “exhibit outstanding community service and service to others, academic prowess and leadership service to the community.” This year’s recipients are Jonathan Gassmann and Adleigh Yagid.  Dr. Pat mentioned that the students were honored at a banquet at the Amber Room in May.      

This year’s CABE awards were presented to Imogen Osborn and Addison Ribisi.   This award   recognizes students who exhibit leadership skills based on the following criteria, “Willingness to take on challenges, capable to make difficult decisions, concern for others, willing to work for others, willingness to commit to a project, diplomacy, the ability to understand issues clearly and the ability to honor a commitment.”

Dr. Cosentino also announced this year’s Volunteers of the Year – recognizing two volunteers from the Sherman community to help celebrate community spirit of giving back and helping others.  Caitlin Mandracchia and BOE member and Vice Chair Kate Frey were both bestowed with this honor.  Of Ms. Mandraccia, Dr. Pat said, she is “always available to assist our schools and the PTO, she’s an excellent volunteer of the Fine Arts Program and the musicals and is always willing to lend a hand.”  Ms. Frey was recognized for her “outstanding job for filling in for Matt, but mostly for her work on the Policy Committee.”  Cosentino said Frey has done “most of the heavy lifting” on that committee and the recognition is “Well-deserved.” The superintendent went on to thank everyone on the Board for their participation and support.  “We appreciate all you do, all your volunteer activities,” she said.  Board Chair Matt Vogt congratulated all the award recipients and expressed appreciation for all those who volunteer in support of the Sherman School.

Sherman’s Student Council (“SC”) Board – Addy, Kyra, Addison and Emery – presented a slide show, recapping its year.  The girls noted the SC established three goals for the year.  The first – Give students a chance to be leaders – was successfully met.  A survey conducted by the SC revealed that 52% of Sherman’s middle school students either planned, helped organize or ran events in SC this year. The BOE was apprised of SC’s three major events this past school year.  The second goal – Promote school spirit and improve student participation – was also reached.  The SC organized multiple spirit weeks, along with other events to promote this goal.  The third goal – Giving back to the community – was attained.  Members of SC organized Senior Center visits and food drives, supported the PTO, supported meaningful causes and show appreciation for and toward the community.  The girls then presented the Board with their own individual “superheroes.”  SC’s final event is planned for June 16 – Food Truck Day, when students will picnic outside.  Food will be provided by Moonlight Bubble Kitchen. On behalf of the SC, the girls expressed gratitude and thanks for their supervisor, Mrs. Butler.

As a show of “Thanks” to the community, the SC placed a sign in front of the school for all to see.  Because of the generous donations from the community, the SC raised over $1300 for cancer research.  They donated funds raised to three organizations, including Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. After the presentation, each received a goodie bag from Dr. Pat. Mr. Vogt said, “I’m so impressed by how much you got done; how many things you did, especially in a year that was in total upheaval in a lot of ways.  My advice, take that experience and look to the future.”

Continuing the thanks and praise, Dr. Pat thanked the PTO for the “outstanding job for teacher appreciation week.  It’s incredible what they do and put together for our staff and we appreciate it.”  She went on to note the “great” turnout for kindergarten orientation. A workshop for incoming middle school parents, “nagging gets you nowhere,”  was planned June 10.  Although the Memorial Day parade was cancelled due to weather, Dr. Pat gave a shout-out to middle school students Garrett Stilson, Lorenzo Cataldo, Luis Vlangas, Maddy Vinson and Riley Bonner who built a float for the parade – replicating a one room schoolhouse. She said, “I’m proud of everyone for that work – sorry that it rained.”  Dr. Pat then spoke about the various partnerships that have occurred.  Members of the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department spoke to eighth graders about opportunities in high school, such as EMT classes.  “It was really wonderful,” she said.  Also, “farmer Dave did an outstanding job with students; students participated in farm activities – planting Christmas trees, flowers.” She went on to share that First Selectman Don Lowe was happy about that, having wanted a program formed where both Happy Acres Farm and the school could work together cooperatively. “It’s working,”  Cosentino boasted.  “The Annual Jazz fest at the JCC was outstanding, the Talent Show last Friday at New Fairfield High School was excellent.”  The school’s band concerts were scheduled for June 4 and the Art Show was scheduled for June 9.  Graduation is scheduled for Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. on Veteran’s Field. rain date 6/10, from 6-8pm; graduation 6/18 at 6pm – Veteran’s Field

Ms. Frey provided an update on the curriculum and special education sub-committee.  At their meeting on June 1, Assistant Principal and Director of Teaching and Learning updated the committee on the math program that began last year.  Lauded as “going well,” Fildes is considering moving implementing the program into the third and fourth grades.  The science program is more challenging as “it is on a cart.”  However, the Frey advised that teachers are taking more responsibility for science lessons. and wish to continue the program for another year.  The language arts program that started 3 years ago was updated for kindergarten and first grade, which is “a big lift for teachers.”

BOE Member Tim Laughlin spoke about the School Renovation Project.  “It’s moving where we should be.  Everything is a Tetris game of what’s next, but things are going well.  The structure is coming into place; roofing is starting to happen.  Deliveries are occurring.  Things look good.”  He said a Special meeting is needed for sign-off on some final pieces, and the Board must visit site to witness the progress.  The State review is tentatively scheduled for June 17. Discussion ensued regarding the approval process, including the need to approve the Special Meeting minutes.

The Board unanimously approved the High School Contract with Regional School District 12 for the upcoming school year – everything is same, except an increase in percentage.  They also approved a motion allowing the Superintendent to enter and sign a Full-Service Agreement with EdAdvance for The National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program for January through the end of school, 2027.  The Board engaged in discussion, then Mr. Laughlin  recapped what was important to Board following last month’s presentation by EdAdvance.  Cosentino assured the Board that contract was just through the end of next school year; before re-signing, she will ensure the school gets everything it wants, or they’ll go a different route.  However, the school must have a contract in place by July 1 to comply with State requirements.

Policy# 0000 Philosophy of Public Schools, Policy# 0050 Code of Ethics, Policy# 0100 Mission Statement,  Policy# 4112.8 Nepotism and Policy# 0521 Non-Discrimination were adopted by the Board.  Policy# 1180 Memorials for Deceased Students or Staff will be discussed at the upcoming Board Retreat for further revisions.  Following a discussion regarding sunglasses, Policy# 5132 Student Dress was sent back to committee for further revisions.   

Following the passage of Policy #4112.8, the Board voted to hire Charlie Vogt as a full-time paraprofessional.  Mr. Vogt recused himself from the discussion and voting.  Dr. Cosentino iterated the hiring process and noted that no other candidate applied for the position.  Mr. C. Vogt has been a sub at the school for several months. 

The Board approved the following personnel actions: the resignations of Edgar Dias and Tyler Smith; Jody Clark’s retirement and the end of Dazira Fulton’s contract.  

The last regular board meeting of the school year is scheduled for June 17 at 7:00 p.m.  The Board Retreat is planned for August 12, 2026.