By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – The Sherman School Board of Education (“Board” or “BOE”) met for its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 4, virtually and in-person at Mallory Town Hall.

Dr. Karen Fildes presented to the Board the Next Generation Accountability Index (“Next Gen Index”) report, Connecticut’s Accountability System that uses a set of 12 indicators that “help tell the story of how well a school is preparing its students for success in college, careers, and life.”  Since Sherman School is only through the eighth grade, Sherman is only judged on seven indicators –  Academic Success (achievement and growth) and Engagement & Well-Rounded Education (state test participation, chronic absenteeism, on-track to HS graduation, PE, and Arts access).  In summarizing the report, Dr. Fildes said they’re witnessing an “upward trend.”   ELA achievement scores are above 75% (the State target) for all grades whereas in Math, grades 3 through 5 exceeded 75% but grades 5-8 are below it.  However, since COVID and the current administration, Sherman’s numbers have improved in every academic category.  Fildes said they’re “keeping their eye on the prize – to ensure every student is doing better academically.”  For the first time there is no longer an outlier gap between ELA and Math. Currently a “Category 2” and with an index score of 75.1%, Dr. Fildes said, “We’re on our way to being that School of Distinction.”

Board Chair Matt Vogt congratulated Dr. Fildes for all the work by the staff and administration, the incredible success and the upward trend.  Despite the upward trend, the report elucidates Sherman’s chronic absenteeism, as well as poor PE scores, particularly in upper body strength.  While, according to Fildes, chronic absenteeism plagues every school district in the country, most Sherman children who are chronically absent are not out due to sickness.  Some families pull children out of school for vacation, some kids are chronically absent because they attend weekly school-year programs at the Pratt Nature Center in New Milford (“Pratt”), and sometimes there are other things going on at home/with the family.  Of the students attending programs at Pratt, Dr. Fildes said if they are still able to complete all schoolwork in four days, there is no recourse; the students cannot be held back or referred to DCF.

Discussion ensued regarding the problem of chronic absenteeism and what the administration can do to keep the kids in school. Building partnerships with parents is important. Fildes went on to say that parents need to understand why it is important for kids to come to school, every day.  BOE Member Tim Laughlin indicated that he would like to see the administration’s strategies for improving PE scores and addressing chronic absenteeism.  He would also like to understand why the Pratt program takes kids out of school so much.

In addition to the Next Gen report, a draft of the “Job Descriptions and District School Organization Chart” was presented to the Board.  Board Chair Matt Vogt framed the discussion by beginning with a reminder of Dr. Cosentino’s retirement at the end of the school year, and what the administration looked like prior to Dr. Pat’s arrival, which included the superintendent and principal roles being occupied by one person.  He acknowledged the challenges with having a part-time superintendent, including finding the right candidate for such a position and the need for remaining consistent in the next phase.  Discussion among the Board and the administration followed.  Mr. Vogt had requested that the administration draft a new model reflecting a full-time superintendent taking on additional duties. 

The administration proposed having a superintendent who also oversees the development of curriculum, but not evaluating teachers, and two administrators – the  principal and a Director of Special Education/Assistant Principal (director of administrative services).  They recommend that the Board should develop the overarching organizational structure, but the minutiae should be developed by the administrative team.  Mr. Vogt indicated his desire to keep a model consistent for future turnover. Discussion ensued between the Board and the administration. Mr. Laughlin wants to set a particular policy in place, whatever model is adopted. Dr. Pat supports  the proposed model.

The Board also discussed the latest New England School Development Council (“NESDEC”) report, previously transmitted by Dr. Pat.  The report is a planning and data analysis document prepared by NESDEC for public school districts.  School boards and administrators typically use these reports to plan upcoming school budgets and staffing needs as well as forecast future classroom sizes and building utilization. Dr. Pat says the report predicts 14 more students in the district by 2030. 

For her Superintendent Update, Dr. Cosentino announced that the school held its first Unified Sports event and they will be partnering with a unified sports team from New Fairfield’s Middle School.  Sherman’s middle school students hosted a Hispanic Festival. Dr. Pat said, the “Students did a great job.”  She also thanked Vicky Butler and Adam Canale.  Students in pre-K through grade 8 visited Happy Acre Farm and spent time with Farmer Dave.  She announced that the ramp to Veteran’s Field has opened and that Dr. Renee Leekin received a grant of $50,000 for mental health – more details to follow.  Lastly, students will participate in the Veteran’s Day Parade on November 11 and the Senior Luncheon on November 16.   “A lot of good things going on,” Dr. Cosentino said.   

Following a brief discussion, in accordance with Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 1-200(7), the Board unanimously approved the creation of a Personnel Search Committee for the purpose of conducting a search for a Successor Superintendent of Schools. The Chair then appointed all of the BOE members to committee.

The Board also approved the following: the high school contract (a 3% increase) with New Milford High School for the upcoming school year through 2030/2031; the transportation contract with All Star Bus Company for a five-year period beginning with the 2027/28 school year (a 6% increase and all new buses); and, following a brief summary from a member of the Policy Committee, engaging Shipman Goodwin to review the school’s Policy Manual and determine which policies should be rescinded.

The Board then unanimously approved the following policies: Policy #5132 Student Dress (following explanation), Policy #1180 Memorials for Deceased Students or Staff (following a brief discussion), Policy #3542.43 Meal Charging, Policy on Educational Stability Procedures for Transportation Coordination with the Department of Children and Families, Policy# 5141.25 Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes and Policy #6161.12, 6161.13 and 6161.14 Library Collection Development and Maintenance, Library Displays and Programs, and Library Material Review and Reconsideration.

The Board then moved to executive session to discuss safety and the deployment of security items with respect to the School Renovation project. Dr. Pat was invited to join.

The SPTO’s Harvest Fest took place on Saturday at the Sherman Historical Society.  Parent teacher conferences will be held Nov. 18, 19 and 20.  Parents can sign up using the online scheduler at https://shermanschool.youcanbook.me.  The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for December 2 at 7:00 p.m.