By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – At its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 1, the Sherman School Board of Education (“BOE” or “Board”) continued with approving changes to its policies.  The Board voted unanimously to adopt the Policy #3160 Board Budget Procedures and Line-Item Transfers, updating it from Shipman & Goodwin(“Shipman”) 2026.  

They voted unanimously to adopt the following policies, replacing CABE policies: #5141.21 Administration of Medications, #5111 Admission to the Public Schools At or Before Age Five, #5113 Attendance, Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism, Policy #5141.4 Child Sexual Abuse and Assault Response Policy and Reporting, Policy #5131.6 Drug and Alcohol Use by Students, #5145.4 Non-discrimination (Students), #5144.4 Recess and Play-Based Learning, #5118.1 Homeless Children and Youth, #5144.1 Restraint and Seclusion, #5145 Section 504: ADA (Students), and #5125 Student Records (FERPA).

The Board voted unanimously to add Shipman regulations to the following CABE policies: 5131.911 Connecticut School Climate Policy, #5141.3 Health Assessments: Screenings, and #5141.31 Immunizations.  They voted to add Shipman Policy #5144.12 Restorative Practices to the policy manual. 

The following CABE Policies and Regulations were replaced: #5145.12 Search and Seizure and #5145.44 Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment (2020 Title IX Regulations).  The Board voted to replace CABE Policy #5141.5 Suicide Prevention and Intervention, and #6154 Homework but kept the CABE Regulation.   

They added Shipman policies #6144.1 Curricular Exemptions, #6164.4 Equitable Identification of Gifted and Talented Students and #6172.4/6161.31 Parent and Family Engagement Policy (Title I) to the CABE manual.

Board Chair Matt Vogt recommended that Policy #5132 Student Dress return to the policy committee.

The following policies were on the agenda for a first reading: Policy# 1110.1 Parent –Teacher Communication,  #1314 Fundraising Activities, # 3542.22 Model Code of Conduct for Federal Award Procurements, Policy Series 3000 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Fiscal Compliance, # 4112.8 Nepotism, # 5123 Promotion and Retention, # 5131.81 Use of Private Technology Devices by Students, Policy Series 5000 Sunscreen Application In School, Series 5000 Student Privacy, Series 5000 Chemical Health Policy for Student Athletes, Series 5000 Educational Stability Procedures for Transportation Coordination with the Department of Children and Families, Policy# 6115 The Pledge of Allegiance, # 6141.321 Student Use of the District’s Computer Systems and Internet Safety, # 6153 Field Trips, # 6162.31 IDEA – Alternative Assessments, and Series 6000 Parental Access To Instructional Material.

Lastly, the Board voted to rescind the following: 9.22. Policy# 7100 Building Committees, Policy# 7115 Developing Educational Specifications, Policy# 7211 Architect Selection and Policy# 7454 Consultant Services/ Construction Management.

All policies can be accessed on Google Docs by clicking on the corresponding link in the BOE agenda for this meeting, which can be found on the Board’s website.

Graduation for Sherman’s eighth grade students is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM.   The last day of school for all other students is June 22.  Eight graders are invited back for the last two days, but their attendance is not required.

Following discussion, the Board approved the start of a Non-lapsing Account – Policy 3000 Series Board Budget Business Procedures to Make Deposits of Unexpended Education Funds (up to 2%) into a Non-lapsing Account.  This type of fund is specifically authorized by Connecticut General Statute and outlined in Board of Education Policy 3160 for amounts not to exceed 2% of the total budgeted appropriation of the prior fiscal year.

Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cosentino shared that negotiations with Shepaug Valley High School are completed and she awaits signed contracts. BOE Member Kristin Grasseler shared details of the Transportation Committee Meeting March 23, 2026, with possible savings of almost $80,000. This item will be added as “old business” to future agendas.

Following discussion, Mr. Vogt made a motion to officially approve the CABE Board of Education packet, for use by the Sherman Board of Education and to be provided to any new Board of Education members going forward. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.

The Board also voted to Approve the Extended School Year (ESY) Schedule (July 6, 2026 – July 17, 2026, from 8AM-1PM at the Sherman Church).  

Mr. Vogt thanked Member Tim Laughlin, Sherman School Faculty, and Newfield Construction for a “wonderful Beam Signing/Raising event.”  Mr. Laughlin also thanked Dr. Fernand.  Dr. Pat shared with the Board details about Paraprofessional Day celebrations that took place earlier on the day of the BOE meeting.  Celebrations included manicures for the paras by the Student Council and hero cartoons of each.   She said, “they are a wonderful part of our community.”  She also noted that Social Worker Dazira Fulton was celebrated last month and that Parent conferences in March were a success. The Superintendent announced that Dr. Fernand has worked out a partnership with the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department.  They will come speak to Sherman students about EMT classes available to the students once they enter high school. Lastly, Dr. Pat gave a shout out to the SPTO for helping make this year’s field trips possible.

The next Regular BOE Meeting is scheduled for May 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM.  A Policy Committee Meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM.