By Michelle L. Santoro

SHERMAN – As the academic year is coming to an end, the Sherman School Board of Education (“BOE” or “BOARD”) met for its regular board meeting on Wednesday June 5.  Following the pledge of Alle giance, the Board commenced with celebrations and recognized three students.  First, Dr. Patricia Cosentino recognized Sherman’s Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS)/Student of Year recipient, Ella Foy, who was first recognized in May at the Amber Room.  The superintendent said Ella is “someone who excels in leadership, empathy, service, academics and is an all-round wonderful student.”  Next, one of this year’s Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Student Leadership Award recipient, Netanya Dorman, was recognized.  “We just are thrilled to be able to award you tonight and again next week,” Dr. Pat said.  Awards Night was scheduled for June 11 at 6:00 p.m.  Helena Pallante also received the CABE Student Leadership Award. Lastly, Alena Perlman, one of two students, was recognized for her presentation to the school community on Neurodiversity.  Trinity McGlothlin was also recognized.  Although Dr. Pat did not attend, she said Drs. Fernand, Fildes, and Leekin all raved about Elena’s and Trinity’s presentation.  Dr. Pat also thanked the families of the students recognized.  “Strong families raise strong kids,” she said. 

In delivering her Superintendent Update, Dr. Pat spoke of happenings at the Sherman Sch ool.  A K-2 concert took place prior to BOE meeting.  “It was great to see.”  Successful Field Day.  Lots of thanks from Dr. Pat.  “So many great things are going on here at Sherman School, and it’s because of everyone who works here and volunteers here.”  She wished everyone a wonderful summer.  

A brief synopsis of the most recent Curriculum Committee meeting was given.  That committee discussed updates to/on the science curriculum.  It received recommendations on a new science curriculum and additional data points to review to measure students’ proficiency in science, including Inner Orbit.  The next meeting is not until after the start of the new school year.   

Board Chair Matt Vogt thanked Sherman’s State Senator and State Representative for their help with the school renovation project.  He said there are “a lot of next steps” for the building project.  He also thanked the staff, teachers, and administration for getting it done “once again.”

During Dr. Pat’s presentation, she provided a brief summary of goals and objectives taken from the Strategic  Plan.  She gave a shout-out to the Senior Center and Veterans Association, and advised Neurodiversity week was “very, very successful.” She said, “It’s important for students to hear from other students, and not just teachers.”  Quickly running through the administration’s goals, the superintendent noted, “It’s not special ed vs. regular ed, we’re one team.”  This past year, they have seen growth in some of the grades on SBACs, the team has looked at K-5 standards, talked about science and the new reading program; worked on focusing data teams and vertical alignment and trained staff members in the new State attendance program.  Dr. Pat advised that reading and math groups are working together and a math team was established and is working with EdAdvance.  A new math program will be introduced for the middle school; they’re using  Developmental Guidance class for grades 6-8, fostered an individual approach instruction for students, they’re using the What I Need (WIN) program to help boost physical education scores and staff continues to use the “hands up” protocol to address “problems.”  Lastly, the superintendent noted one of the Sherman School’s highlights – its music program.  Students recently performed at a music festival at Great Adventure.  The jazz and concert bands were awarded a Platinum adjudication, and chorus received a Gold award.  “They were the highlight of the parade,” Cosentino said.    

Next, Mr. Vogt presented a financial viability analysis of a PK-5 model.  At the outset of the slide show, Vogt noted the following:  The BOE has not endorsed any particular educational model alternative, the analysis is based on conversations between the district, superintendents, board chairs and finance staff of the New Milford, New Fairfield and Region 12 districts, and the assumptions are predicated on student needs for the coming school year – recognizing needs change based on enrollment and other factors, including contractual terms.  Also noting, if such model was followed, there would no longer be a choice of high schools for Sherman students but rather all students in grades 6-12 would attend the same school.  In both scenarios, the BOE annual budget would increase between three and twenty-nine percent over the 2024/25 budget along with the addition of budgets, while renovation of the current building would still be required.  New Milford cannot accommodate an expansion of an inter-district cooperative.  Discussion ensued, including about how middle school is a ‘tough age.’ 

In other business, the Board discussed a proposal provided by CABE ($1800) for a customized policy service, which includes an audit of the BOE’s current manual.  Representatives of CABE met with the Policy Committee, who decided it is time for an audit – the last one being seven years ago.  The committee thinks it is a fair price and will give them a road map for the Board’s policies moving forward.  With little discussion, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following policies:  5112(a-e) – Ages of Attendance/Admissions/Placement and Policy Relating to Tuition, with a typographical change.

The last regular Board of Education Meeting for this school year is scheduled June 26, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the LMC and via Zoom.