[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6381190,"mediaKeyId","2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80","parentId",2128956,"title","Finance director reports operating budget on track; school‑lunch fund flagged for follow‑up","audioSeconds",181,"startMs",5976000,"endMs",6157000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80&start=5976&end=6157","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80/thumbnail_5976000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6381190/Connecticut/Finance-director-reports-operating-budget-on-track-schoollunch-fund-flagged-for-followup","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6381190-51de57d70b8f8cc40f5ea6b7ff2db89b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775693738&Signature=SrBneeWNTMhpqyUImPl5obhfG2~EXpi3DpV~Ar83brpNFau5RWo30q9BxWP3NHYhXP4bEfHfj1zz1wtf~0t2vXM8Jk2Ten-A~mpNWz4vUII3PFImhKuF4mXljKF3LSIbD0sRYsEjdSdxh8ilG9plYpxKKSz6NU51na3eAwE3xrJJqSLBXyZru6O-kzewd9bOcgnA-tn8HMgrgsosuHwzZjN1wB9pHE8dwEKLS5c371Lhk6Z99p4wooVlYc0eL8D9HmgK511ahBOlvlFhYK6q450oi6PbosPLeLh6RE4qwUR-FHsJV8u-j4iJotU-AlARvsHfVJV~3d6U7~A~zvr-KA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Greenwich School District","date","2025-01-17T13:43:50Z","article","Patrick Lai, the district's director of finance, presented the monthly financial report. Through the end of December the district reported $97,800,000 in year‑to‑date operating expenditures, representing 50.8 percent of the current fiscal‑year operating budget; the district compared that pace to last year (52.1 percent at the same point).

School lunch fund: Lai said the December review flagged the school‑lunch fund and suggested the district may need an interim appropriation. \"When we look at the December result ... we may need an interim appropriation,\" he said, and the administration will continue analysis and, if needed, bring a request to the board at a future meeting.

Budget transfers: A small list of budget transfers for the board's information was posted with the packet; Lai invited board members to contact him or the business office with technical questions.

Ending: The board had no substantive questions in the meeting and accepted the monthly report; staff will return with further details about the school‑lunch fund if an interim appropriation is required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","January 16, 2025 Board of Education Special Meeting - Business Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The district reported year‑to‑date operating spending of $97.8 million (about 50.8% of the annual budget) and said the school‑lunch program will need additional analysis; administration will bring a potential interim appropriation request if required.","taxTitle","Greenwich School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",38354,"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},6381194,"GHS student leaders urge support for midterms and school events; administrators note calendar and supports",419,332000,751000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80&start=332&end=751","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80/thumbnail_332000.jpg","/articles/6381194/Connecticut/GHS-student-leaders-urge-support-for-midterms-and-school-events-administrators-note-calendar-and-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6381194-bc0d8886ed5b4806e7158f3153733154/orig.mp4?Expires=1775693738&Signature=PoRq69jfMZkDHcRBdYtAwu6wL4bwX11tUgyuBorj2U~LMIHMjMnQ07yaPAN~-Nit7EKdiOP4j0xp6OEhOxOa-FEU-8cOFrgVjhoSPhMRZC2Iz4SiDx9utRwEB87ZhTaEFYYttDvuk0rCjSTh9ei-vEJxiEC~SuFJrQ2ujFmASmDXR6A53d1P3OnzZCd-y42ZTJqqQLFZSRRY~RD~xUd7p-vv3kTzyuJan7j5nHtJH8iFA6yo9-pnOopWAfqHA91-IfX0s6CvxnMWpsThKySfnjlZNUwFe4Uwoj0uM313LHKw9BMxwO9vlEp1lAI41GVg1WcL2-xJduiEj2V52D53Zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two student government leaders updated the Board of Education on recent student activity at Greenwich High School and urged continued support for academic resources and mental‑health supports during midterm exam week.

What they said: Mihir Shah, the student body vice president, described midterm study supports — therapy dogs, expanded teacher office hours and library study events — and outlined class fundraising and spirit initiatives. \"The student body could not be more grateful for these amenities,\" he said. Senior class president Maeve Carey noted that most seniors have submitted college applications and that the school will hold a district‑wide pajama day to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer on February 7. She asked the board to consider continuing and expanding academic and mental‑health supports during midterms.

Board response: The superintendent and board members thanked the students for their presentation and wished them well on midterms. The board acknowledged the role of school and community partners — including the library and staff — in providing study supports.

Ending: The student remarks were part of the public‑hearing portion of the meeting and were accepted as public comment; no action was required.","Student government officers from Greenwich High School reported on midterm preparation, fundraising and student‑life events. They asked the board to support academic and mental‑health resources during midterms.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6381199,"Board opens discussion on Greenwich High grading options for midterms and finals",2348,3607000,5955000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80&start=3607&end=5955","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80/thumbnail_3607000.jpg","/articles/6381199/Connecticut/Board-opens-discussion-on-Greenwich-High-grading-options-for-midterms-and-finals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6381199-be843cb0da0b2a61d31f3e2148b6f02c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775693738&Signature=jLOSgFXosjImEfIn7vXdvti8V39DEbn2cIaKzUCc45M1W4JJspo5G2Tpb4t7q6seJUqzM5YidGXWkYdQgxVfWbUVGd4amuVTi2CnzgwYWA43IU1uORcimqQcy8-g~9TkBhMV0Q84~JVlztzBOiCsYYEVS~63gGEaI5GYpeXtT2PLMdr4foyaD1dejTXC-2nvHvqsq0FcYOrhK9t8-YioocPGY0~lKhpEYLm1BHfK9Gte3dyQu1Z~PuSrqn5nXjHlHATc6E97t1Of1xpSNsGA4YdCTmtqEVd9SZ-qPieQ4hX9UUUXzRIy-YnKkDnaZL7bA2AmN9QbrcLgCAaX0J9IWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members discussed a policy question about Greenwich High School grading: whether the district should offer students an alternative weighting for midterms and finals that reduces the exams' proportional impact on semester grades.

What was proposed: The discussion (originating at the request of a board member) considered restoring or adopting a dual‑weighting option that would give more emphasis to in‑term assessments, participation and coursework and reduce the fixed percentage assigned to a single midterm or final. Advocates said the change could reduce anxiety and support student mental health without eliminating assessments meant to prepare students for college expectations.

Why it matters: Supporters cited increased student stress and a desire to reward consistent daily work. Critics urged caution, noting the role of high‑stakes assessments in preparing students for college and in measuring mastery. Board members asked for concrete examples and numerical models showing how alternative weightings would affect typical student grade distributions and asked administration to consult comparable districts and student/parent groups.

Next steps: Superintendent Dr. Jones and staff will prepare modeling examples and compile comparative practices from peer districts and return the item for further deliberation. Board members asked that the administration include perspectives from teachers, students and parents as part of the background material.

Ending: The board did not take action; members asked staff to provide sample computations and community input to inform a future vote or policy recommendation.","Board members raised a proposal to change how midterm and final exam weightings are applied for students at Greenwich High School to reduce test‑day anxiety. The board asked administration to model scenarios and gather comparative data before any policy change.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6381205,"Board hears proposal for an honors 'Modern Band' course at Greenwich High School",457,2785000,3242000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80&start=2785&end=3242","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80/thumbnail_2785000.jpg","/articles/6381205/Connecticut/Board-hears-proposal-for-an-honors-Modern-Band-course-at-Greenwich-High-School","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6381205-5b9e9322a788fd7b1b2583ef89dbe9eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775693738&Signature=IHQKX99udFiRSX~DVAq3T~ToIXTf3RR7Crm-Uq4s9JdoFuDZLnCPfwOoWstAMF5adq5GpZy4ON8kvbrUjpEnePNNUG9WxVpc9tXOvOIyUUU-rlShV8jc0~odW8ju5dTVNm65BqycLzFptw2czTaVw2lirYRGPA6i20271Kjdn~54mYSDeVEplgRrQpmy2-GopuT6ArxwNzkViyRDrH6-B~LVisInqLfzLfbXInU7utZnFG5XVSq2Xtl986DvZEFvNzcCwIXS6FjomXcYh~5oaH1NOr2OMecQwqs27XqU1xzf51WYFbNKRuvkK3yofNFc9nKgjmRhpF8KGduosXN4Gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District arts coordinator James Antonucci introduced a proposal for an honors Modern Band course at Greenwich High School and turned the presentation over to teacher Jason Polis, who outlined course goals, ensemble structure and scheduling.

Why it matters: The course is intended to serve students who already take guitar, electronic music or other arts classes and who want an ensemble experience focused on contemporary pop, rock, hip‑hop and related genres. Polis said the class would emphasize project‑based learning, live performance and use of the school's recording studio. \"Students will be expected to collaborate on a body of music and prepare for several performances throughout the year,\" he said.

Key features: The proposal described a before‑school honors ensemble (7:15–8:25 a.m.), with auditions and an expected complement of about 20 students divided into several bands. Students must be enrolled in a current GHS music class to participate. Supporters said the course would provide career‑relevant and technical skills in addition to ensemble musicianship.

Board action: The item was listed as a discussion item; no formal vote was taken at this meeting. Board members and speakers expressed support; members said they would place the proposal on a future agenda for formal action when staff finalizes the offering and any scheduling or staffing details.

Ending: The board signaled interest in expanding contemporary music options and asked administrators to prepare follow‑up materials for an upcoming meeting.","District arts staff and a GHS teacher outlined a proposed honors Modern Band course to expand contemporary ensemble opportunities and use the high school's recording studio; no action was taken at this meeting.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6381209,"Board hears detailed plans and cost estimate for Riverside School renovation; vote deferred",2072,1157000,3229000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80&start=1157&end=3229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2128956-a66510c75d4a3ce1fc0faa86f1b12a80/thumbnail_1157000.jpg","/articles/6381209/Connecticut/Board-hears-detailed-plans-and-cost-estimate-for-Riverside-School-renovation-vote-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6381209-9013ae856625be794d1ca25f07f5ab72/orig.mp4?Expires=1775693738&Signature=ajqXWlo46XgGP9L5bXSMexao6Pp9K2YdzvTEA4uiBi5V6JF2l4LazUB-4GzYGmTY6yvcl5UBenGaFqGUI7Dacs6d9vpvLx59wjK~oEKCQDm7II8IgCQlPCyFl5fsKEUaem2MPmxChTtsyo~IWLSxY7Kbi1jf3W8om7efZkeHwOuCUPAQ6Kom1cUV7vTsShX~X2Ig1i-DlVAxfCCQ3bbfhecBh4wVbTzew7IvBwkDEvMmYdssV3YYRvVuGu0vQWM2zO012Kie8Ie~QhYiK8SDPIdnvjpQ5g3t5ht6d9LVH7vL3HN5zX3YgwtRdh56gFBerP6OlIrCAH0P53JZklz6cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Architects and district staff presented a renovation-and-addition plan for Riverside School and a preliminary cost estimate of $45,500,000, then answered questions from board members and members of the Riverside community. The presentation and nearly two hours of public comment centered on classroom sizes, a proposed 14,000-square-foot rear addition, accessibility and life-safety upgrades, a new cafeteria and kitchen layout, a multipurpose room and a sensory room, and a proposal to add two pre-K classrooms.

The feasibility committee, architects and the principal said the project responds to longstanding problems of overcrowding and deferred maintenance. \"This is a 90‑year‑old building and it's not clear a school‑wide renovation has ever been done,\" said Carrie Bisbee, a Riverside parent and PTAC facilities committee member, urging the board to approve ed specs in time for the Board of Estimate and Taxation's (BET) April 1 deliberations. Principal Jason Martin said the design team consulted widely: \"They have taken the time to listen to every voice in our school, teachers, staff, administrators, and parents,\" he said.

Why it matters: Riverside has been flagged repeatedly in the district facilities planning documents as a high‑priority facility. Speakers and the feasibility materials showed many classrooms below Connecticut size guidelines and described operational limits — shared staff spaces, restricted special‑education and intervention space, and a cafeteria that limits lunch time. The district's goal in the plan is to increase the building's usable area without creating an oversized facility: the architects said the proposed plan results in roughly 70,217–70,951 square feet (about 1,700 square feet above the state’s reimbursable area calculation) rather than the 80,000‑square‑foot “ideal” program the committee first mapped.

Details and cost: Lucia Jansen, a member of the BET who also served on the feasibility committee, noted the project's price tag and asked for more time to review the packet. \"This is a proposed $45,500,000 investment with 80 pages of information released only four days ago,\" she said and specifically called attention to the cost and programing for two pre‑K classrooms (she cited an estimated $1.3 million for classroom build‑out plus a $200,000 playground expense, or $1.5 million total for those elements). Rick Kucsera, the construction cost estimator, explained major cost drivers including masonry restoration, roofing, windows and the phasing/staffing assumptions; he and the architects said they built an allowance for contingencies and phased work to minimize student displacement.

Pre‑K question and next steps: The plan includes two pre‑K classrooms; several board members and members of the public urged a separate, fuller review of whether adding pre‑K at Riverside is the right districtwide strategy. Board member Michael Joseph asked the district to analyze alternatives and possible trade‑offs, noting playground and parking impacts and the district's existing pattern of operating pre‑K across multiple sites. Superintendent Dr. Jones said the district is already short of space for adding required federally funded pre‑K seats and that options include trailers, leased space or creating dedicated pre‑K facilities elsewhere — all of which have cost and program implications.

Action taken: The board voted earlier in the meeting to move the Riverside feasibility presentation up the agenda so the large public turnout could participate. Sophie Coven (Board member) moved to approve the ed specs \"as presented\" during the discussion; that motion was seconded, discussed, and then withdrawn during the meeting. By the end of the session board members agreed to continue the discussion and to return the ed specs as a future action item after additional information and follow‑up questions are answered; no final approval of the ed specs was recorded at this meeting.

What to watch for: The board requested further follow‑up information (including comparative pre‑K benchmarks and modeled phasing scenarios) and said it will circulate answers to board questions before the next meeting. The district will also supply more detailed cost and swing‑space scenarios so the board and the BET can assess the timing and funding implications.

Ending: The meeting record shows broad community support for an eventual renovation and strong interest in the pre‑K question and phasing logistics. The board left the item open for further review rather than taking final action this evening.","Architects presented a renovation-and-addition plan for Riverside School that the feasibility committee and community backed, with an estimated construction-and-soft-cost total of $45.5 million. The board opened discussion but delayed any approval pending further review, including questions about adding two pre-K classrooms.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Finance director reports operating budget on track; school‑lunch fund flagged for follow‑up

GHS student leaders urge support for midterms and school events; administrators note calendar and supports

Board opens discussion on Greenwich High grading options for midterms and finals

Board hears proposal for an honors 'Modern Band' course at Greenwich High School

Board hears detailed plans and cost estimate for Riverside School renovation; vote deferred