[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6394371,"mediaKeyId","2103052-83202e83bb2311e6393f5b252a0c7b34","parentId",2103052,"title","Attorney outlines new 2024 Title IX rules and how they expand district obligations","audioSeconds",191,"startMs",4048000,"endMs",4239000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2103052-83202e83bb2311e6393f5b252a0c7b34&start=4048&end=4239","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2103052-83202e83bb2311e6393f5b252a0c7b34/thumbnail_4048000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6394371/Connecticut/Attorney-outlines-new-2024-Title-IX-rules-and-how-they-expand-district-obligations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394371-5c89e86c41a7157e2a12272455fa1be1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775859734&Signature=o2cMLIPbky2uESPvuiLD9nwEQcIBVWLCFt-Z~6Iab-nM34ATsSYR5N8~mNSwHmDJsr9eNzIphBSsCqZjEmCuDRI27l5VaPe0l3M6Cvm9IEFcY~qK-jev7SVXl~0hbqSj7-3aukvS-4Ny5f29OoKW3Hpb41Wf2pMFZ4f7GDGQ2SIplHbSxR81PpXaL8NC4bt0xaK56Kzc7sz8GXoZemEDocrQfMpAoLMjl8hA18CV0J7NM3RbVRNgeM5jHXm-kQI16j1A1Ehz8ccB4jo4zQ7~Z~ijbcviRSgyoeW~1ecmIf80Rk8ukjZ41udr8Y4liHs~wrm~3rL0LkLMiEo5GYxc3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Britain School District","date","2025-01-09T18:30:12Z","article","Jessica Ritter, an attorney with Shipman & Goodwin, gave the board a high-level overview of the 2024 Title IX regulatory changes and their implications for Connecticut school districts.

Nut graf: Ritter told the board the 2024 regulations (effective Aug. 1, 2024) expand definitions of sex-based harassment, broaden the circumstances that may trigger Title IX responsibilities (including off-campus conduct when the district has disciplinary authority), and require annual training and updated grievance procedures. She warned that parts of the rule are subject to pending litigation that could change interpretations.

Ritter said the 2024 regs expand what the federal rules call \"sex-based harassment,\" now covering a broader set of protected characteristics and conduct, including conduct related to pregnancy, sex stereotypes, sexual orientation and gender identity. She explained that the 2024 rules codify specific offenses (sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking) and also clarify quid pro quo and hostile-environment standards.

She described procedural changes: the 2024 rules allow a streamlined investigative model (an investigator plus an appeals person) rather than the tripartite model required in the 2020 regulations. At the same time, districts now must assess off-campus conduct when the district has disciplinary authority, and must ensure annual training — three hours for central-office and building administrators and one hour for other staff — and update policies and administrative regulations.

Ritter also warned the board of ongoing litigation: a pending federal lawsuit (Moms for Liberty) challenges aspects of the 2024 rules that relate to LGBTQ+ protections and could lead to changes in enforcement or interpretation. She said a complaint brought against individual districts would require the district to know whether the alleged conduct falls under the 2020 or 2024 rules, depending on when and where the conduct occurred and whether a party-district is subject to the litigation.

Ending: Ritter told the board her office can provide the required training modules and assist with policy revisions; the board scheduled additional superintendent- and administrator-level training and reserved time for a lengthier Title IX training session for central-office staff.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","New Britain Board of Education Meeting - 01/07/25","oneSentenceSummary","Shipman & Goodwin attorney Jessica Ritter briefed the board on 2024 Title IX regulatory changes, including a broader definition of sex-based harassment, expanded off-campus coverage and updated training and policy requirements.","taxTitle","New Britain School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",13001,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6394375,"Board approves AI and graduation policies, teacher union and admin contracts, and early-childhood grant action",1264,3626000,4890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2103052-83202e83bb2311e6393f5b252a0c7b34&start=3626&end=4890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2103052-83202e83bb2311e6393f5b252a0c7b34/thumbnail_3626000.jpg","/articles/6394375/Connecticut/Board-approves-AI-and-graduation-policies-teacher-union-and-admin-contracts-and-early-childhood-grant-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394375-920e02ca3c9004b9354669ba95f157ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1775859734&Signature=PRkBHxc7Zxn9x4r3QzQ7TXVkqtSViAJgdl89ZkERXpq1SY6CcgxchGjJG15yBB7uAIoIkg2dGdKe2BWX3Z58ta8ZwmzWs7JiI7TVv3ZSVz~TH-7BAqncKfi~Ps1I72yM7oUQc4scJFA4ee8ktq5l44hMGWg5f6adFYY0JL3onoq3Ej1PCV340FDTeD03oAu60KsVMIs1LGIfUrUt61l8i7TBiWBkbLzggtzeLEqkt~-a56TLEcc0dp-nnEANI62c2hs~6ms7prJChcgpCCTU-PDIi-S2tAT2tKNXEK94fgWGLpfLcnTI0YrrykBAkCC24l8o~i6GmUtfDuBEOftQQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Britain Board of Education took multiple formal actions at its Jan. 7 meeting: it adopted a new artificial-intelligence policy, codified graduation requirements for the class of 2023 and beyond (including state FAFSA-related items), approved a negotiated contract with Local 871 (the teachers’ union) and approved contracts for unaffiliated central-office administrators, and approved a motion related to an Office of Early Childhood grant to create additional early-childhood program slots.

Nut graf: Several items were presented and voted on in full session; the AI policy and graduation-requirements policy followed committee review, and contract approvals came after executive-session negotiations. The board recorded routine approvals of minutes, personnel transactions and the consent agenda as part of the meeting.

Policy 6310 (artificial intelligence): The board voted to approve board policy 6310, which the policy committee had reviewed as a starting framework for AI use in classrooms and staff work. Board discussion noted the policy is intended as a groundwork document; members asked policy committee follow-up on academic integrity (cheating), disciplinary links and clarifying consequences for misuse such as deep fakes and harassment. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

Policy 6146/42 (graduation requirements for class of 2023 and beyond): The board voted to approve updated graduation-requirements policy to codify current practice and align with state statute; discussion clarified FAFSA completion and waiver procedures. A board member asked about how waivers will be applied and how parents will be notified; administrators said the policy largely formalizes existing practice. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

Contracts and labor actions: After executive session, the board voted to approve a contract with Local 871 (the New Britain Federation of Teachers). Board members said the negotiated contract was ‘‘fair’’ and reasonable compared with neighboring districts. The board also approved contracts for unaffiliated central-office administrators. Outcome: both approved (voice votes).

Early-childhood grant motion: The board approved a motion to accept a grant in the Office of Early Childhood to create additional early-childhood spaces in response to increased enrollment; the item was moved through the full agenda because of the potential to open program slots. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

Other routine business: The board approved minutes from Dec. 2, accepted personnel transactions and extracurricular appointments, approved the consent agenda and moved into and out of an executive session to discuss Local 871 negotiations.

Ending: The board directed administration to continue work on implementing policies and to return with clarifications requested by the policy committee (notably academic-integrity links to AI policy) and with next steps on early-childhood grant implementation and contract administration.

","The New Britain Board approved a new artificial-intelligence policy, updated graduation requirements, contracts with Local 871 and unaffiliated administrators, and a grant-related motion to create more early-childhood spaces.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6394381,"Superintendent requests 12.06% budget increase to staff special education; public budget sessions set",0,640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2103052-83202e83bb2311e6393f5b252a0c7b34&start=640&end=640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2103052-83202e83bb2311e6393f5b252a0c7b34/thumbnail_640000.jpg","/articles/6394381/Connecticut/Superintendent-requests-1206-budget-increase-to-staff-special-education-public-budget-sessions-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394381-d7e02419fa8bbc059f8d75d122387bd1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775859734&Signature=aBN5wiggWkTMWoZJlDznFudsewmpckBqwS8nT8MBPXqRiuu7qiBB6AOxTRPoJ~j~-cfLfJUCrxfSJtEKNAesVMa3hSujT76wntGk9ZKyGN5v0mAf9fJom3c9LZywJSBxo0SEKQ8L3m0AF35YIA-yzMdNNzGjrR~ojzTMUTnttk0t9mFl51jMq6Ov46cdeO7keQOfJG~sUd0Zv1qx4o5V4Cp9q-PdxbH0M1XJ6BZVbXjKDYeQ7irdH3G-82lfM7tXjeE3qdBXBNTIv5bkSr-~Cj-eFw9YR0yce4KpXryvUASAlI36FzG9vN9LC2AAemO3dghdnT1dWXpu4FYkuwtVyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Gasper, the superintendent, told the New Britain Board of Education the district's proposed superintendent's budget requests a 12.06% increase and that a large portion of the request is to properly staff special education programs.

Nut graf: The superintendent framed the increase as targeted to staffing needs in special education and announced two public budget sessions for families and community members. He also reported on a district-wide initiative launch and highlighted national recognition for district programs and staff.

Dr. Gasper said the district has two public sessions on the superintendent's budget, scheduled for Jan. 23 and Jan. 30, for families to review the request. He described the 12.06% request as \"a very substantial request\" and said he intends to defend it at public meetings.

He credited school leaders and staff for a successful rollout of a coaching initiative (referred to in the meeting as \"Yonder coaches\"), and he thanked school teams at Slade and Pulaski for their work during the launch. He said a small number of phones were confiscated during the launch (\"8 phones confiscated at Slade School and 9 phones confiscated at Pulaski School District,\" as reported) and described the rollout as 99% successful.

Dr. Gasper also listed recent district accomplishments, including national visitors to learn about the district teacher-residency program and national recognition for Lincoln School speech-language pathologist Kyle Green Pendleton.

Ending: The board accepted the superintendent's report and was reminded of upcoming public budget sessions; the budget request will proceed through the board's review process with additional presentations planned.

","Superintendent Dr. Gasper presented a superintendent's budget requesting a 12.06% increase, citing special-education staffing needs; he announced public budget sessions on Jan. 23 and Jan. 30 and reported a schoolwide launch of a coaching program.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6394386,"Board hears food-service review after social-media concerns; district to rebid contract",501,1334000,1835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2103052-83202e83bb2311e6393f5b252a0c7b34&start=1334&end=1835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2103052-83202e83bb2311e6393f5b252a0c7b34/thumbnail_1334000.jpg","/articles/6394386/Connecticut/Board-hears-food-service-review-after-social-media-concerns-district-to-rebid-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6394386-2ef6c741a7746c79bfa08fbb49ab2de2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775859734&Signature=d7xUEkfDNgxXKxqg897LXpUX646h65DMGsjcuNJ4nt8QZloX5F~-HkWRmfY5AefajY1oaJFb79jIC4eFupzp24u5v5EXwPfRLEgLtM2w6SrmRNm0U~2XCxYJXCiLjxMNdfHLHSJjxQ~NinmyRLebY-wmKZq2GoBjbuVpMXsMMROCx-OpVDntKATle-xhwRuL3RBzfmHtAsVv3iFo6eYMAtlbIUbV6Yu-ndyAIs8YrxCxMquDVCVy4C00YcslsuZ8d-CMfmRBSyhRpYBKEJQWSzK11X49aXjEGt1xppmtNZyvotpKsor2XnEdohCTR3WpIYKJTA~CrD3vJnkmZb-B4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kate Murphy, a food-service staff member, told the New Britain Board of Education on Jan. 7 that district food-service monitors visited kitchens and classrooms and did not observe spoiled or expired food.

Nut graf: The presentation laid out the results of site monitoring, corrective actions required by the Connecticut Child Nutrition Administrative Review, and a planned request-for-proposals (RFP) this year to replace the current food-service vendor. Board members and students raised questions about long lunch lines, food variety, allergens and how the district will reduce waste.

Murphy said the district served \"close to 900,000 meals since the first day of school\" and averages \"about 11,700 meals every day.\" She said she conducted 18 official lunch-site monitoring visits and 12 breakfast-site visits and that the health department inspected three schools with \"no findings of moldy or expired food.\" Murphy said she also reviewed invoices and found that the district had transitioned away from black foam trays last summer and had not ordered peaches or nectarines since the fall.

The state review produced corrective actions, Murphy said, mainly related to meal counting and claiming in classrooms and to recipes that did not clearly credit toward USDA protein or grain requirements. For example, state reviewers asked the district to revise a peanut-butter-and-jelly meal that included graham crackers; USDA classifies graham crackers as a dessert grain and limits how often they may be served. The state also asked the district to change a chicken recipe to make protein crediting clear.

Murphy outlined steps the nutrition office is taking: weekly meetings with on-site management (Winston's), student taste tests, a planned parent advisory committee with representatives from each school, additional staff training on food safety and USDA guidance, and updated recipe documentation with food-safety steps printed on each recipe.

She told the board the district is required by Connecticut to put the food-service contract out to bid every five years. \"We are coming to the end of the contract with Winston's,\" Murphy said; the vendor has been in the district since 2003 and the last contract began July 2020. Murphy said the district will attend a mandatory state training on the RFP process on Jan. 30 and then publish an RFP for at least 45 days once the state approves the district’s draft.

Board members and students raised operational concerns. A student at New Britain High School said the lunch lines can take too long and that some stations are popular enough to create bottlenecks; the student also said some workers appeared slow to change gloves, which increased wait times. A second student recommended adding staff or reallocating staff during rush periods.

Mr. King, a board member, asked about religious accommodations and food allergies; Murphy said allergens and allergy notes appear on the register screen at point of sale and cashiers will substitute items when necessary. She said the district recently began offering a \"rainbow tray\" of fruits and vegetables so students have more options and are not forced to take a specific item they dislike.

On the grant question, Murphy said the district did not receive the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grant this year and will reapply next year. She estimated there were 15 sites in prior years but said she could not name each site from memory.

On food waste, Murphy said USDA \"offer versus serve\" rules require students to take a fruit or vegetable component to count a reimbursable meal; the district is encouraging choice through the rainbow trays and will continue education about the program to reduce waste. She also said once food leaves the serving line for safety reasons it cannot be returned to the kitchen.

The presentation prompted the board to ask for ongoing student and parent input; Murphy said she plans monthly or bimonthly parent advisory meetings and will expand student surveys. She also said the district has opened two kiosks in the high-school cafeteria to move high-demand stations off the main serving line and speed service.

Ending: The district will proceed with state-required RFP steps and several immediate corrective actions; the board requested follow-up reporting on the RFP timeline, results of the parent advisory outreach and metrics on line times and food-waste reductions.

","Food service staff told the New Britain Board of Education that site visits, USDA and state reviews found no expired or moldy food; the district will put its food-service contract to competitive bid and work to shift breakfast service out of classrooms.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Attorney outlines new 2024 Title IX rules and how they expand district obligations

Board approves AI and graduation policies, teacher union and admin contracts, and early-childhood grant action

Superintendent requests 12.06% budget increase to staff special education; public budget sessions set

Board hears food-service review after social-media concerns; district to rebid contract