By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – Notwithstanding the frigid temperatures, the Sherman Board of Education (“BOE” or “Board”) met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, February 4 in the Sherman School library and on zoom.  

Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cosentino presented the proposed Sherman School 2026-2027 Budget.  She began by noting that a school budget is more than just a financial document.  She said the goal was to be “clear, transparent and responsive as we review both the challenges we face and the investments we believe are essential.”  She continued, “our budget priorities are to always put students first, …”  Dr. Pat’s budget agenda included the administration’s Points of Pride – Maintaining traditions during the “Temporary School” year, continuing the Focus on Instruction, even in tight quarters, and continuing to cultivate connections and caring for the community.  She reminded the Board that the Strategic Plan remains the foundation for the administration as they continue to work on strategic priorities and objectives.  She further noted that insurance costs are up fifteen percent, while the number of special education students rose from 21 to 35 in the past year. Dr. Pat summarized the additional staff contemplated in the proposed budget.

In sum, the Superintendent’s proposed requested budget is $10,315,713, which represents a 3.87% increase over last year.  BOE Member Tim Laughlin thanked the school administration for “their thoroughness with the new proposed budget with the stated insurance increases.”  The Board held a budget meeting on Wednesday, February 11. The BOE’s formal adoption of the budget is scheduled for April 1, with the Town referendum scheduled May 2.

Dr. Cosentino advised the Board about a complaint she received from a Sawmill Road resident who expressed concerns about the pickup procedures at the school noting the disruption it causes to all residents of that road. She said the administration would look into the particulars of the complaint.  Discussion ensued.  The Board acknowledged that parents begin lining up for dismissal as early as 2:15.  Mr. Laughlin noted challenges.  The first, a lot of snow still remains resulting in more narrow roadways, despite Public Works’ efforts at pushing snow piles as far back as possible; and the second, because of the snow there is “little wiggle room” and some are turning into Veteran’s Field to make “kind of a loop.”

The resident also complained that the lights at the school in the evening are too bright and always lit.  Laughlin noted that in a construction zone, certain lights, including in the gymnasium, must remain on for insurance compliance.  During public comment, First Selectman Don Lowe advised that a resident in the home of the complainant paid him a visit.  Mr. Lowe asked the resident for patience, given the winter season, and assured the resident that no road closures were taking place in that area.  Principal Dr. Mary Fernand added that the school is very proactive with any complaints or concerns that arise, including addressing the prior complaints of this particular resident.  Further discussion with the complainant, via a phone call, was contemplated.     

Dr. Pat congratulated Abner Osborn and Emma Arias, recipients of the 2026 Connecticut Association of Schools (“CAS”) Outstanding Arts Award.  Each year, CAS honors two high school seniors from each member school who “excel in the performing or visual arts.” Congratulations were also bestowed upon Madeline Vinson, who was invited to be a page at the Alabama State Legislative House during the last week of February. Miss Vinson will assist House and Senate members and staff with daily operations.  Such tasks include delivering messages, carrying documents and running errands on the House floor. The Superintendent gave a shout out to Acacia Bizier for her efforts during School Council Week. The Sherman boys and girls basketball teams had their last games at the Connecticut Sports Arena in New Milford on February 4.  Lastly, Dr. Pat thanked the staff and families for “their support and cooperation” during the weather and heating issues experienced the last week of January. “Everybody really did a great job and came through.”

Mr. Laughlin updated the Board on the school’s renovation progress and offered many thanks to all those working on site for progressing through this winter weather, which he jokingly thanked for “showing up.”  The foundations are laid and now the work moves to drainage, plumbing and base footings. He advised, steel is currently being fabricated and arriving on site. Inside the building electrical and HVAC routing, as well as walls, are underway. “It looks like a different school,” said Laughlin.  The project continues to run on schedule with some minor delays due to the extensive winter weather; however, those slight delays are being made up.

Vice-Chair Kate Frey updated the Board on the progress of the last 75 policies to be reviewed; the next 25 will be addressed at the next Policy Committee Meeting. The following Shipman & Goodwin policies, on the agenda for a first reading, were recommended for a second reading at next month’s meeting: #2410 Hold on Destruction of Records (Litigation),  #2415 Retention and Disposition of Records and Information, #2420 Uniform Treatment of Recruiters, #3453 School Activity Funds, #4118.11 and 4218.11 Non-discrimination (Personnel), #4118.231 and 4218.231 Alcohol Tobacco and Drug-free Workplace, #4118.5 and 4218.5 Employee Use of the District’s Computer Systems to Replace Electronic Monitoring, #4252.6 and 4152.6 FMLA, #4112 Hiring of Certified Staff, #4211 Hiring of Non-certified Staff, #4118.234 Psychotropic Drugs, #4115.3 Athletic Coaches’ Evaluation and Termination, #4147.1 and 4247.1 Bloodborne Pathogens, #4118.22 Code of Ethics, #4112.8 Nepotism, Employment and Student Teacher Checks, Abuse or Neglect of Disabled, Child Abuse, Neglect and Sexual Assault Reporting Reporting Concussion Training for Athletic Coaches, Emergency Action Plan for Athletic Events, Exertional Heat Illness Awareness, Section 504: ADA (Personnel), Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment (Personnel) (approved part in 11/7/23) and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness.

Continuing with policy changes, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the following: Oath of Office, #9120 Officers, #9121 Official Duties – Chairperson, #9124 Official Duties – Secretary, #9122 Official Duties-Vice Chairperson, #9322 Public and Executive Session, #9325.1 Quorum and Voting Procedures, #9250 Reimbursement of Board Member Expenses, #9222 Removal of Board Officers, #9000 Role of Board and Members, #9314 Suspension of Policies, Bylaws or Regulations, #9321 Time, Place, and Notice of Meetings and Transaction of Business.

The Board also approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar.

The next regular BOE meeting is scheduled for March 4, 2026, and a Policy Committee meeting is scheduled for tonight, February 12 at 6:00 p.m.