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Click here for the Brookfield Public Schools update on the Superintendent’s June update on the town website.
Below are the Three Main Points from the regular Board of Education meeting of June 7, 2023:
1. The Board proudly recognized the 2023 Teachers of the Year. They are Renee Richardson (CES), Meredith McGlynn (HHES), Jessica Recce (WMS), and Laurie Lazorchak (BHS), who was also voted the 2023 District Teacher of the Year. The Board and Administration are grateful for their hard work, professionalism, and creativity throughout the year. The Board also recognized the Staff Members of the Year as follows: CES - Natalie Martin, HHES - Kristen Sheehan, WMS - Diane Cerasoli, BHS - Jen Gioglio, and Central Office - Ken Post. Your dedication and commitment to our students is appreciated!
The Board was also proud to recognize the Top 10 graduating Seniors from Brookfield High School Class of 2023 for their academic achievements. They are: Katya Anikeev, Kyler Dattner, Elisa Eddy, Matthew Esneault, Ayeisha Gener, Omkar Maralappanavar, Ethan Mettler, Nathan Schmitt, Adeethyia Shankar, and Rachel Tang. Congratulations and best wishes to these bright, hard-working students. Brookfield is proud of you all! Lastly, the Board extended congratulations and thanks to the Board of Education Student Representative, Kaitlyn Zezza. To watch the recognition portion of the meeting, click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/uOBefNPWix4?feature=share&t=177
2. The Board received a presentation from Dr. Dana Corriveau, from CREC (Capital Region Education Council Resource Group) who conducted the recent comprehensive review of the district's Special Education program. As previously mentioned, the review looked at the use of resources, organizational structures, student learning, and collaboration and communication in the special education program. It analyzed district documents and reports, student files, classroom observations, staff and parent surveys, and the results of focus groups and interviews.
Among the findings and recommendations are:
1.)Identify goals for special education and develop a long-term strategic plan;
2.) Differentiate professional development across Special Education in alignment with strategic plan;
3.) Revisit the special education supervisory model and clearly define expectations;
4.) Revisit the academic support model at BHS and determine expectations and goals.
Dr. Barile commented that the administration and Board will closely review the findings and will develop a plan of action for making improvements to the Special Education program. The Board will continue to discuss the review at their next meeting (July 19) and will follow up with CREC with any additional questions or recommendations. To listen to Dr. Barile's and Dr. Corriveau's presentation and the CREC report, click here: https://www.brookfield.k12.ct.us/district/brookfield-public-schools/pages/crec-special-education-review-june-2023
3. The proposed 2023-2024 town and school budgets were approved at a second referendum on May 30th. The school budget was reduced by $126,275 to $50,384,287, which is a 3.53% increase over last year. Meetings were held with the district's leadership team and the Finance Subcommittee to determine where savings could be realized. Business Director Ken Post presented the list of reductions and savings, including professional development, instructional supplies, furniture and equipment, textbooks, professional services, extended duty, technology, insurance, and salary savings as a result of a retirement. To hear the Board's discussion regarding the budget, click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/uOBefNPWix4?feature=share&t=12766
CANDLEWOOD LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPDATE
Dear Candlewood Lake Elementary School Families and Brookfield Community,
We are thrilled to provide a status update regarding the transition to Candlewood Lake Elementary School. The school is currently undergoing final construction finishes and building inspections. We provide a status update below:
Moving to CLES:
- Once the students recess for the summer on June 14th and the faculty members finish packing their boxes, movers will begin a week-long process to move materials from HHES, CES and WMS into their appropriate locations at CLES.
- Most of the furniture (desks, chairs, shelving, etc.) has been delivered and is being assembled/installed this Summer.
- Huckleberry Hill will no longer have phone or internet access as of June 19th.
- Beginning the week of June 19th, the administration and secretaries from Huckleberry will temporarily work from WMS until they soon thereafter receive authorization to work from Candlewood Lake Elementary School.
Construction Status:
- We are near the final stretch of school construction. Classrooms and many common spaces are largely complete and the construction firm is working through finishes.
- The utilities are connected and the technology is activated.
- Flooring has been and continues to be the primary focus:
- Carpeted flooring is complete for upstairs classrooms and support rooms and in office areas throughout the building. Terrazzo flooring in hallways and cafeterias is nearing completion.
- The main floor classrooms in the Pre-K thru 2nd Grade neighborhoods still need floor tile installed. Similarly, other areas (art, music, multi-purpose rooms, and nurses' offices) are still underway.
- The hardwood gym floor is the final room in CLES planned to be completed, in August.
- A few final areas of construction are on their way to completion including the main entry, main office, gym and media centers.
- Playscapes are planned, locally approved, and in the state approval process as we write this letter.
View the CLES progress update photos shared at the June 7th BOE meeting
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1STebHb9F7a92gjIFZAUoSvL5z13Y5mYJ/view
Demolition:
After HHES is vacated, beginning the week of June 26, the beginning stages of demolition work will commence. You will not see noticeable demolition to Huckleberry Hill until later in July, when they will start with the gym area. The remainder of the building will be demolished during the Fall months.
Site Work:
This Summer, you will see a tremendous amount of site work being conducted, especially in front of the school. The south parking lot will be developed along with an additional temporary parking lot for faculty and staff to begin the school year. The north parking lot (currently occupied by HHES) will not be complete until late Fall. Since parking and driving space will be limited to begin the school year, Dr. Pepsoski will update parents in late Summer regarding visitor parking and student drop off and pick up.
WalkThroughs of the New School:
As soon as the CLES Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the building inspector (anticipated later this Summer) we will initiate opportunities for families and the public to walk through and enjoy our brand-new facility. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony will be scheduled.
Moving into a brand new school is a once-in-a lifetime event. We could not be more appreciative of the community for supporting this project, and we know you join us with great anticipation for this historic transition to Candlewood Lake Elementary School.
We will keep you posted as things progress over the Summer.
We can’t wait to welcome you all to Candlewood Lake Elementary School!!
Have a restful, enjoyable, and safe Summer!
Dr. David Pepsoski, CLES Principal
Dr. John W. Barile, Superintendent
Mr. Robert D. Belden Jr., Board of Education Chairman
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