[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6115837,"mediaKeyId","2735830-b33fe0de1e3380d21cd391ee53bfbb9b","parentId",2735830,"title","Board sets graduation date and last possible day of school for 2024–25; votes unanimous","audioSeconds",277,"startMs",8665000,"endMs",8942000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2735830-b33fe0de1e3380d21cd391ee53bfbb9b&start=8665&end=8942","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2735830-b33fe0de1e3380d21cd391ee53bfbb9b/thumbnail_8665000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6115837/Connecticut/Board-sets-graduation-date-and-last-possible-day-of-school-for-202425-votes-unanimous","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115837-930b6aa378327ae484c2b0084541cd52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125971&Signature=lnpah2HpzAnvQ0xLE8Da36aROuwztdWFEvbpctyH3-cOpKBxbojoQnWsq4bnMttiZR5wXMKk9dmSFRcD8gh6rAvMXjZjWcyhsQis4Zxo0obtnDJwmxfG9gHVLuKj9nKFicDEidoE2c2tgf2KVZBPgLEFU3BlgmI3dFmbvSkgSX~HQjnB1Id0zwA-ZVJtz0cw3t-RLlaz1E1viz1urLEwD~z2CkdZ4-GWGkcYsEN7gUYtP7nVuUJo1cRVSz-HTRiW07Ro3ykce-fqWpFP41nN7KZP1imcYrxy9JucBXtX589stkMQYt7my1ApJC3Ff-zY~eGGGZtwYciRtIiEbKsaqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Greenwich School District","date","2025-03-21T12:04:22Z","article","The Greenwich Board of Education voted unanimously to set the 2024–25 Greenwich High School graduation date for Tuesday, June 17, and to set the district’s last possible day of school as Tuesday, June 17 (with June 16 as the final day for grades 6 and 9), inclusive of five built‑in snow days.

Board action and rationale: Chair Hirsch moved the graduation date; the board discussed logistics (field setup, rehearsal needs) and statutory/calendar requirements, including the requirement that the school year include the state’s required 180 instructional days. Staff and board members explained that scheduling graduation on the 180th day is standard practice and that snow‑day contingencies can change the effective calendar if the district must make up days.

Vote: Both motions passed unanimously with a 7–0 vote. Board members described the timing as the earliest practicable public determination to help families and visitors make plans.

Why it matters: The dates set the district’s official end‑of‑year calendar for planning ceremonies and end‑of‑year logistics and clarify how the built‑in snow days will be applied if severe weather forces make‑up days earlier in the spring.

What the board said: Superintendent Dr. Jones and staff explained procedural reasons for the timing and reminded the public that unusual weather or state action could require calendar changes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 20, 2025 Board of Education Business Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Board voted unanimously to set Greenwich High School graduation and the district's last possible day of school for 2024–25, and clarified how snow‑day contingencies affect the schedule.","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},6115842,"K–12 STEM shows gains; Board opens framework discussion on GHS course enrollment, grading and guidance roles",2091,4920000,7011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2735830-b33fe0de1e3380d21cd391ee53bfbb9b&start=4920&end=7011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2735830-b33fe0de1e3380d21cd391ee53bfbb9b/thumbnail_4920000.jpg","/articles/6115842/Connecticut/K12-STEM-shows-gains-Board-opens-framework-discussion-on-GHS-course-enrollment-grading-and-guidance-roles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115842-b751de85ca284bf604368a8bae2657e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125971&Signature=oCGNuCBNaaFY0ZgRbYoYLyIVvvwxSupCADk~s2ZIf9dLDnBHUNRtPQmxQbPQ27f07pFAb2nwZIQcANbVFohb7L-77FdhOwOKH4kMewEQcgQJYpQz~wq9Ms3FEQ~sNo~MMPn53cB1hOvQM-bnQjmLtjMc84rLOxq6Y2A-xKtv0bEHRMda0-ON-9WmUtQe0ZALJ~4716hV1JfzoLf7e5ac1JzN79Sh31Pw9XrcqBHj-m8EFgonHoCDDuj0EhnPENuBM1BvgDSJHDHex04bXNPPzilscQNvL~-67RgXyMxZ7TP6rYcQnEe1GUWzmnswdCpY~ZJh30Jo~uLBb0PgEEYSlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District curriculum staff presented a K–12 STEM report showing gains in math and science benchmarks and growth in advanced course participation, and the Board of Education used the report as a springboard for a broader conversation about Greenwich High School course enrollment processes, grading consistency and the role of guidance in student course selection.

The STEM report: Assistant administrators and curriculum leaders summarized assessment trends, program rollouts and pilot tools. Highlights included gains in middle and high school STEM measures, expansion of advanced physics and math sections, and district pilots of tools such as Reflex (automated fact‑fluency practice) and InnerOrbit (year‑long science benchmark assessments). Presenters said the district uses a six‑year curriculum cycle; some consumable and licensing costs will recur in the 2027–28 cycle if a program renewal or change occurs.

Course enrollment and grading discussion: The board then turned to a framework conversation initiated by a board member about the recent rollout of automated course enrollment at the high school (Aspen platform). Topics included how teacher course recommendations are presented to students, the potential impact on classroom rigor if students self‑select into higher courses, the role of guidance counselors, and whether grading/weighting policies (Policy 6146) require review. Board members and staff agreed to assemble targeted follow‑up information — comparables from neighboring districts, feedback from guidance and teaching staff, and a report on grading/section consistency — before any policy change.

Why it matters: The STEM gains were presented as evidence that curriculum and instruction strategies are producing measurable results. The enrollment/grading conversation focused on transparency and access — ensuring students who are ready for higher‑level work can access it without unintended gatekeeping, while preserving course rigor and teacher professional judgment.

Key factual points and clarifications:
- GEA (teachers’ association) reported a survey of about 166 teachers at GHS showing ~95% wanted to retain midterm/final exam weighting in course grades; that data was included during public comment.
- Curriculum cycle: the district follows a six‑year adoption and review cycle; transitioning or renewing a vendor’s materials can generate licensing and consumable costs that appear in the 2027–28 budget planning.
- InnerOrbit: the district is piloting year‑long interim science assessments in grades 6–8 as predictive indicators for end‑of‑course standards; teachers get near‑immediate feedback and district staff can aggregate results for program planning.

Next steps: The board directed staff to gather more specific input and data (guidance counselor feedback, teacher survey results, comparables on grade‑weight policies and college admissions practices) and to return with options, so the board can determine whether policy or practice changes are needed.","District officials presented K–12 STEM and math/science progress and the board began a broader, public‑facing discussion about GHS course enrollment automation, teacher recommendations, grade‑weighting and guidance resources.",{"_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},6115846,"Board directs feasibility study after code review flags multiple issues at Greenwich High School pool",2218,2540000,4758000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2735830-b33fe0de1e3380d21cd391ee53bfbb9b&start=2540&end=4758","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2735830-b33fe0de1e3380d21cd391ee53bfbb9b/thumbnail_2540000.jpg","/articles/6115846/Connecticut/Board-directs-feasibility-study-after-code-review-flags-multiple-issues-at-Greenwich-High-School-pool","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115846-1515cda51447489f2a2e430f219f93a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125971&Signature=YDXcTvmAlM3Or0k~ZjP-wCkmY154eyLR~mjCM718OpCQT3ZDgfLo7nf1bBiDuuAy8IGi4687gF3mf1Uwv99s-NfoSby6LDPqf078AGeOVeDSGNnqf7K4BtgX9iIWUHZYh8inUkhrIjy6p~lbxtbZ5W0j-sJtYo16iFK7vIijO-FjzLTAxtVy0u7cvZ1PB-erriY~YqJrTc9f5foptPbz46kfuMZcYMhfUpX26LRuR54AuRbQU-GFm8tGhS7yNLwNSRkVPw~ohgIribNTkAMjROJiVGzpIZk0wSPmzY~tyid14yN8YSnssgK~jFZ7DVi7x8yLYW-RcxUsGiYaMeQ-OA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Greenwich Board of Education on an unan‑imous “sense of the meeting” directed staff to launch a feasibility study of the Greenwich High School (GHS) natatorium and to prioritize keeping the pool operational while planners evaluate repair and replacement options.

The move followed a presentation by architect Mike Fortuna and facilities staff summarizing a technical report that identified several code and infrastructure shortcomings — including clogged drain piping connected with compliance concerns under the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) federal law for pool drains, piping and turnover-rate issues, overhead clearance shortfalls at the diving board, deteriorating filter tanks and electrical clearance problems.

Board members, coaches, students and parents told the board the pool is heavily used year‑round by GHS swim, dive and water‑polo teams, the Greenwich Dolphins club, and community groups, and urged solutions that avoid a long shutdown. Several speakers asked for a special advisory group to examine options and funding.

Why it matters: The report framed the problem as a mix of safety and code compliance items (drains and diving‑board clearances) and operational/maintenance items (deck finishes, filter tanks, backwash routing). The VGB standard for suction outlet systems and the state and local health/building codes set prescriptive requirements; the report said parts of the existing system no longer meet today’s configurations and that making piecemeal fixes without addressing related piping or structural issues could lead to further failures.

Key details from the report and conversation:
- The consultant told the board three of the natatorium’s four main drain lines are clogged, leaving most flow to a single drain; that raises VGB compliance concerns and would likely require reconfiguration of piping and larger-diameter lines to meet turnover and velocity limits.
- The report said the diving board area does not meet the adopted overhead clearance standard (about 16 feet, 5 inches measured from the board tip under current NCAA‑derived guidance adopted in state regulations); the consultant said raising roof structure or building a new diving facility would be among the options.
- The pool shell dates to the 1960s with an extensive 1997 renovation that deepened the pool; the consultant said the concrete and ground/groundwater conditions warrant further testing (chloride testing and cores) before deciding whether to rebuild on the existing shell or construct a new facility.
- The filter plant includes 480V electrical equipment with insufficient working clearance per the National Electrical Code and filter tanks that are deteriorating and should be replaced; the report also notes that current filter backwash is routed to an outfall and should be diverted to sanitary sewer per code.

Public comments and stakeholder input: More than a dozen students, parents, coaches and town volunteers spoke during public comment. Speakers included GHS students who described the pool’s role in daily practice and hosting meets; long‑time coach Terry Lowe emphasized decades of program experience and asked that coaches be consulted; parents and RTM members urged a special committee and proposed limiting any shutdown to summer months, if possible.

Board response and next steps: Board members said they want a feasibility study that will (a) test the existing pool shell and materials, (b) quantify repair versus replacement costs and schedules, (c) identify interim options to avoid a September–June shutdown, and (d) define stakeholder engagement and funding pathways. The board recorded a unanimous sense of the meeting in favor of forming such a feasibility effort and keeping the pool open while the study proceeds.

What the study will examine: technical testing of the pool shell and piping; options to remedy suction/outlet configurations to meet VGB requirements; alternatives for diving‑board clearance; filter plant and electrical upgrades; deck/bleacher and ADA questions; schedule options for phased work or new construction, and funding sources.

The board did not adopt a formal capital authorization at this meeting; the discussion was limited to directing a feasibility analysis and further study.","After an independent facilities review identified multiple code and infrastructure issues at the Greenwich High School natatorium, the Board of Education signaled unanimous support for a feasibility study and for keeping the pool open while the work proceeds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board sets graduation date and last possible day of school for 2024–25; votes unanimous

K–12 STEM shows gains; Board opens framework discussion on GHS course enrollment, grading and guidance roles

Board directs feasibility study after code review flags multiple issues at Greenwich High School pool