By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – October is National Principals month, during which schools across the country recognize and celebrate the vital roles principals play in the education of our nation’s children.  Sherman Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cosentino and Board of Education (“BOE” or “Board”) Chair Matt Vogt took the time to acknowledge and thank Sherman School Principal Dr. Mary Fernand for the job she does.  Dr. Cosentino espoused, Dr. Fernand is “a wonderful principal; loved by all.”

Due to supply chain issues, a particular type of Air Handler units needed for the school renovation project is delayed and their exact arrival is unknown, causing a delay in the project necessitating pushing back the Move-in date even further.  Teachers, staff, and administration are now expected to move into the new building during the week of February 15, with students returning to school and the new building on February 22, instead of January 11.  The delay also necessitates changing the school calendar, again.  The Board approved Dr. Pat’s request that the children return to school on Tuesday, January 5, following the holiday break, and that the school be closed for students February 15 through the 19th, during which time teachers, staff, and administration will move in.  If a family has already booked travel during that first week of January, their child’s absence will be excused; however, the Board asks that families have their children in school beginning January 5 if travel plans were not already made. With school being closed on October 7, the anticipated last day is now June 21, 2027.  The Superintendent indicated that communications were sent to parents on the eve of the Board meeting regarding the delay and necessary calendar changes.

The school welcomed parents to its annual Open House in September, which Dr. Pat said, “went very well.”  She announced the addition of Kayla DeFeo, a new counselor working through Housatonic Youth Services Bureau two days a week, Mondays and Tuesdays. Ms. DeFeo started October 5.  The Superintendent also recognized and thanked the school’s three custodians and Director of Technology.  Dr. Karen Fildes was successful in securing a $5,000 grant to support the school’s partnership with Happy Acres Farm and is working on an application for a follow-up grant.  Cosentino went on to say that sports and afterschool activities are underway.  Picture days are scheduled for October 20 and 21 and the Annual Halloween Parade will be October 30.  Grade-level trips to Happy Acres Farm are in the works.  Lastly, Dr. Pat thanked all the parents and the community for their flexibility and support.  She said that there are “bumps in the  road this school year and everyone is being supportive”.

BOE Member Tim Laughlin requested that the Board explore the idea of school-provided transportation to/from sporting events.  Historically, this transportation was provided; it ended around the time of the COVID pandemic.  Mr. Vogt requested a cost analysis.  It was agreed that the topic would be discussed at the next Transportation Committee meeting.

Following an “issue” a Board member experienced attempting to exit a driveway near school dismissal time, the Board discussed the ongoing issues with dismissal and parent pick-up.  Despite repeatedly requesting cooperation, there are still some parents who arrive early to “line-up” for pick-up, which in turn makes it difficult for those not involved in student pick up to exit neighboring driveways.  The upper lot is expected to open November 1, and Board members are hopeful this will alleviate some of the dismissal/pick-up difficulties.

Continuing with policy changes, the following policies were on the agenda for a First Read: # 5132 Student Dress, # 1180 Memorials for Deceased Students or Staff, # 3542.43 Meal Charging, Policy on Educational Stability Procedures for Transportation Coordination with the Department of Children and Families, # 5141.25 Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes, and #6161.12/6161.13/6161.14 Library Collection Development and Maintenance, Library Displays and Programs, and Library Material Review and Reconsideration.

The Board then moved to Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent Transition Plan.

The next Regular BOE Meeting is on November 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM,  The Policy Committee will meet on November 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM