By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – In the first meeting of the new year, the Sherman School Board of Education (“BOE” or “Board”) re-elected Matt Vogt and Kate Frey as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.  Maryanne Febbraio was elected Board Secretary.

Without skipping a beat, once the elections were final and with Mr. Vogt’s absence, Ms. Frey commenced with approval of the consent agenda, including accepting the resignation of preschool special education teacher Krystianna Schirmer.  

On the evening before this meeting, the Policy Subcommittee met and continues its work changing Board policies to Shipman & Goodman’s (“S&G”) policies.  Twenty-four policies were discussed by the subcommittee.  Those policies recommended for a first reading and S&G to replace include 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.  Ms. Frey advised that there are fifty policies remaining for consideration and change/replacement.  

Those policies on for a second reading and approval by the Board include Policy #9312: Board Bylaws, #9312: Board Policies, #9313: Board Regulations, #9272: Code of Conduct for Board Members, #9130: Committees, #9270: Conflict of Interest, #9323: Construction of Posting of Agenda, # 9221 Filling Vacancies, # 9325: Meeting Conduct, # 9336: Minutes, and Policy: Social Media.  The Board approved all without discussion.  

Reading legal language, Ms. Frey stated, “it is moved to comprehensively revise the Board’s policies.  The Board approves the repeal of Board policies as indicated in the attached appendix A.  The administration is directed to archive the policies designated as repealed.”  Appendix A was previously distributed to the Board and can be accessed through the link on the January 7 meeting agenda found on the BOE website.  The motion passed.      

Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cosentino wished all a Happy New Year before beginning her Superintendent’s Update.  Recapping December events, she advised that the students raised more than $385 for the Connecticut Children’s Hospital as part of the statewide John Day fundraiser.  The Middle School chorus performed at the senior center.  The band performed at the Danbury Ice Arena at a Hat Tricks’ game, which she said was “very exciting.”  The Junior Sherman Historical Society participated in the holiday show at the Northrop House and gave peer tours.  Dr. Pat said the music program is thriving despite its temporary home at the Sherman Volunteer Fire House.  Sherman’s musician students made a strong showing at a recent regional competition and the concert at New Fairfield High School (“NFHS”) auditorium “was really a nice evening.”  She mentioned the success of the K-8 student-run spirit week ending with a fashion show “featuring anything but a backpack and it was great fun!.”  Dr. Pat ended with thanks to all who attended the recent ground-breaking ceremony and the SPTO for its hot cocoa bar and holiday shop.  “Everything is different this year, but we haven’t missed a beat.”  Don’t forget to catch NEWSIES!  A musical production by Sherman students, Saturday January 17 at 7:00 pm at NFHS, 54 Gillotti Road, New Fairfield.  

Dr. Pat discussed the proposed 2026-2027 School Calendar, noting the late start (September 8th for teachers and September 14th for students) due to renovations and the lateness of Labor Day and a late end date (June 21, 2027).  The Board is expected to vote on the calendar at its February meeting.  Also at the February meeting, the official presentation of the Budget timeline by Dr. Pat.  Budget workshops are scheduled for February 11th and 25th, and March 11th if needed.         

Next, the superintendent reviewed the NESDEC Enrollment report.  Currently, Sherman has 234 students, though that number normally fluctuates up or down by 1-2 students each year.  The projection for 2030 is 284 students; its even higher for 2035/36.  Dr. Pat assured all that the new school can accommodate such growth. 

The Board received a packet summarizing the Superintendent’s and the Administrative Team’s mid-year review of its goals.  The work continues with implementation of the Strategic Plan to ensure the needs of each student are met.  Dr. Pat highlighted all the work that continues.

Lastly, Dr. Pat noted her intent to reach out to relevant persons at Shepaug Valley School; pursuant to the existing contract, negotiations regarding high school for the 2026/27 school year are to commence in the spring of this school year.  

A Board of Education Retreat is scheduled for January 22 at 4:00 p.m.  The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for February 4 at 7:00 p.m.  The Policy Subcommittee will meet on February 12 at 6:00 p.m.