[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6575558,"mediaKeyId","3091098-031f5299feaa1592f53859fb9fdc1b0c","parentId",3091098,"title","Board approves minutes, accepts school gifts and OKs two budget transfers; one abstention on football gift","audioSeconds",317,"startMs",485000,"endMs",802000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091098-031f5299feaa1592f53859fb9fdc1b0c&start=485&end=802","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091098-031f5299feaa1592f53859fb9fdc1b0c/thumbnail_485000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6575558/Connecticut/Board-approves-minutes-accepts-school-gifts-and-OKs-two-budget-transfers-one-abstention-on-football-gift","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575558-b38b68ab951c67f515eca2c4f3e2325c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447532&Signature=d3fYo8RmNNJUPUmgW8RCsm4-b0ZW4CKxR6~a3miXHQm5OUWYnNFstK2~Akg7XHconQPrj5vSV-1S37O~aOgmwx~dQSs3LQoqTtVcdeO4XoM1J~YJkurfCgpxUn7G-f3PKm1k-LZwI2kMcJToRiloPs4cU3tlYczBzTNRnculqZTJW6QMAi0~sXWWLj7kFqYt1qEUHOEcmPE~FDHXGU9f-eurrPYCtF6e4nwroDSeE6hdawvdluoBszUy5qVW1Qf845gwPzPh30hJ685fJ1xtW~trBxfQdav8HTHjNWw17x9r3wosnOieoyun0nwrruH7wbxa~uEpdA11zhgLyb9-Ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Darien School District","date","2025-04-23T00:31:56.157Z","article","The Darien Board of Education approved routine minutes, accepted several contemplated gifts for schools and athletics and approved two budget transfers during the meeting.

Minutes approval: The board moved to approve minutes of the March 25 special and regular meetings. The motion was made by Sarah and seconded by Dennis; the board approved the minutes unanimously.

Holmes Elementary gift: The Holmes PTO proposed purchasing a new hawk mascot costume to improve visibility and safety. Kathy Jabara, co-chair of the Holmes PTO, presented the gift. The board voted unanimously to accept the contemplated gift.

Athletic gifts: The board accepted four athletic gifts. The Darien Youth Lacrosse Association offered $5,000 each to the boys and girls lacrosse programs; the Darien Booster Club offered a shooting machine for the boys and girls basketball programs and a two-person blocking sled for the football program. Board members asked staff about whether invoices or quotes exceeded the amounts listed on the gift forms; staff said the Booster Club would subsidize the full purchase and the school would not be covering the difference. Motions and votes were as follows: acceptance of the boys lacrosse gift (mover Joanna; second Robin), girls lacrosse gift (mover Joanna; second Dave), boys and girls basketball equipment (mover Joanna; second Dennis) ' each approved unanimously. The football blocking sled gift was moved by Robin and seconded by Joanna and was approved with one abstention (Mr. Seney).

Budget transfers: The finance report showed a projected positive fund balance of $429,009.40 through March 2025. The board approved two transfers: $3,710 to trial-purchase roughly 200 cell-phone bags for the high school (funded from workers' compensation credits) and $16,000 for contracted paraprofessional services to cover a late resignation in the counseling/special education area. John moved to approve the March budget transfers; Sarah seconded and the vote was unanimous.

Board members thanked donors and district staff for the gifts and for clarifying funding sources. The board recorded the transfers and gifts in the official minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Meeting - April 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Darien Board approved minutes, accepted multiple PTO and booster gifts for Holmes Elementary and Darien High athletic programs, and approved two March budget transfers; the football gift vote included one abstention.","taxTitle","Darien School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",55224,"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},6575560,"State representative asks Darien community for input on special education bill HB 7277",172,64000,236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091098-031f5299feaa1592f53859fb9fdc1b0c&start=64&end=236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091098-031f5299feaa1592f53859fb9fdc1b0c/thumbnail_64000.jpg","/articles/6575560/Connecticut/State-representative-asks-Darien-community-for-input-on-special-education-bill-HB-7277","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575560-6414af68d0cccd08e552b1a92ffeabdc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447532&Signature=Ookyi7QO35SZG8PsTqVbgbOZdTxQz5a-YPR7fP8h0jdTVY~-klQbl8j9u0Un8DKNLua3ZiKSgnp9oQ1Aj4hxUnxFCt9kHDdq0if0ryNY3oCQgHgtAw7h5JH2W4nCtetc-emv0Tj9GVwWLhhwg4fymiJs89j6XjJ-rUWetgwCrbMZ6MDanL838KH44vhDewIZumarQL45K24nTNorqqjZGh9nvsQDIjCTZNIy7KbMBi7UpJ-8V3mURpDGa9PgieoXRph~vthz695eIhAku3O72mmyYxnBnQSqa~r4K02LXjPdV8d-sJ--vb-TAX7egVasB64ojfTLfb~4pDJah75agQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State Representative Tracy Marr used the Darien Board of Education public-comment period to brief the board and residents about House Bill 7277, a state-level measure proposing changes to special education funding, regional service models and the creation of an ombudsman.

Marr, who identified herself as a state representative and a Darien resident, said Connecticut has formed a new subcommittee on special education and that the state held a public hearing on HB 7277 the day before. She described the bill as a package of ideas that includes in-district grant options, regionalizing some services, establishing rates for outplacement services and proposing an ombudsman role. Marr said the bill contains ideas she considered both \"thoughtful\" and \"unfundable,\" and that public feedback during the hearing would prompt changes.

Marr invited district staff, board members and residents to provide feedback at an upcoming session she plans to host; she said she would publicize the time and place through social media and email. No board action was taken; the remarks occurred during the meeting's public-comment period.","State Rep. Tracy Marr urged Darien residents and district staff to provide input on House Bill 7277, which would change special education funding and services in Connecticut.",{"_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},6575566,"Darien board hears K'2 literacy update and progress-report revisions; final presentations scheduled in May",233,827000,1060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091098-031f5299feaa1592f53859fb9fdc1b0c&start=827&end=1060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091098-031f5299feaa1592f53859fb9fdc1b0c/thumbnail_827000.jpg","/articles/6575566/Connecticut/Darien-board-hears-K2-literacy-update-and-progress-report-revisions-final-presentations-scheduled-in-May","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575566-c8b2311bf798e74375983edc23b684d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447532&Signature=FjDh9Qz~KJXoK~n0Fprg48LEzF3cMPWzZjMF-Cajca5DNcenhY011o5KK6u~hbguu6NKj2p6ms1YgXnkx46mtqRh0SHKbk~FG8lcIuusjclDrm8B~qIV62noXhrB6Dgsjy-gDaYFkYn8IttOgmA3Xrs-HCxD-q-A9LklgrpRLtQLHxw1w5pxVrVOjfZDX6Mt0c132NNxKAFNX8d-NxAvm78DNI5eOI41k2UFZLat~FOLipKM7C3gk~YkFWNPBebnOLKY7c7fM~RySY2N8~7N9eyH13xwF0w~8HZNbRbIDo4oyQeIXV~9uBmreov7vD4YOu7NSDVLe4BOfQyXiZtnDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Darien Board of Education received updates on two curriculum items: revisions to student progress reports and work wrapping up on a K'3 literacy program review.

District staff said the progress report revisions grew out of contract negotiations with the Darien Education Association in 2023 and a multi-stakeholder review intended to improve family communication, align indicators to curriculum standards and create rubrics and a handbook for families and teachers. Staff said the full revised progress reports will be shared with the board in the fall and that the next step is producing rubrics and a family/teacher handbook.

On K'3 literacy, district leaders said a multi-year review included teacher surveys, focus groups at each elementary school, classroom observations and universal screener data from AIMSweb. A comparative analysis between a pilot program (referred to in meeting materials) and the district's current literacy program did not show measurable differences in student outcomes over the short trial period, the board was told. Staff cautioned that short-term data may not detect longer-term differences and emphasized the qualitative feedback gathered from teachers in focus groups.

The district said the smaller decision-making subgroup includes representation from all five elementary schools, special education/student support services and elementary principals; the subgroup met the day after the curriculum committee meeting and planned a final synthesis session the following day. The curriculum committee is scheduled to receive a presentation on May 7 and the full board will review the recommendation on May 13.

Board members asked for clarification about the data reviewed; staff said they used AIMSweb growth measures, curriculum assessments and writing samples for the comparative review and noted plans to improve Aspen's usability for families and teachers.

The board did not take formal action on the curriculum items at this meeting but scheduled the presentations and indicated staff will return with final materials and supporting rubrics.","Board members received progress report revisions and a near-final K'3 literacy recommendation; the curriculum committee will present on May 7 and the full board on May 13.",{"_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},6575570,"Darien Board adopts revised nondiscrimination policies, removes Title IX reference",133,1518000,1651000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091098-031f5299feaa1592f53859fb9fdc1b0c&start=1518&end=1651","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091098-031f5299feaa1592f53859fb9fdc1b0c/thumbnail_1518000.jpg","/articles/6575570/Connecticut/Darien-Board-adopts-revised-nondiscrimination-policies-removes-Title-IX-reference","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575570-28e585feb7937cf18bfa009f6663ac82/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447532&Signature=gYQKoyI4BZDTYxyjuPqAoCxIHUwodPzRhzY0U~G8YjajkiN5r0tG-krKbwLlv44OJwZu1sDrxGG7QP57eqSw4GmALk80hDMSfq-wbyiMMunbp1kt3qrZEjU0gFOVck0IJbK8HFZpaNsm2ZdK2Bwe-~3Xsk78ykixNxUGntEHfW8~mkmRqnzt~KbSpQCO3OY57C0ZttQTNvD8o1qewFFGV2viE95JcSNbSZTwHhMmTtXhmGqTCXO~z139gYstxwBr8whcnIf2-qO-ZRQ49nkeRCMxv3Am8LJ0imTK05KK4~H0yOUOqr-YCQrhzLH8c57vh-QOW~9RSzUqb3RHK5Jl7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Darien Board of Education on Monday adopted revised nondiscrimination and harassment policies, removing a reference to a district Title IX policy and approving the package after a review of a legal opinion from Goodwin law firm.

Board Chair and counsel presented the revisions at the meeting after the board requested the firm's written legal opinion. The opinion stated that Connecticut law protects students and staff from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression and noted uncertainty about whether a federal executive order would supplant Connecticut law. The opinion also said the district must have a valid Title IX policy; the version currently on the district website has been found invalid by courts and the federal government, the memo said.

Board member John moved to adopt the recommended policy revisions, which included eliminating the Title IX reference in policy 52-75. The motion passed with six members voting yes (Karen, McCammon, Nelson, Maroney, Loveland and Welsh), one member voting no (Brown) and one abstention (Grambley).

Board members who spoke during the discussion emphasized following counsel guidance as state and federal requirements continue to evolve. The board packet included Goodwin's written opinion, which the board said it considered as it voted on the second reading of Board of Education policies 41-18 and 52-75 and related community and personnel nondiscrimination policies.

The board did not rescind other policies during the meeting; it recorded follow-up items including a communications plan and crosswalking the new language with the district's strategic plan and board handbook.

The board's action makes the revised nondiscrimination language the district's current policy pending any further legal developments or additional board action.","The Darien Board of Education voted to adopt revised nondiscrimination and harassment policies after reviewing a legal opinion; vote 6–1–1 on the package with one member opposed and one abstention.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves minutes, accepts school gifts and OKs two budget transfers; one abstention on football gift

State representative asks Darien community for input on special education bill HB 7277

Darien board hears K'2 literacy update and progress-report revisions; final presentations scheduled in May

Darien Board adopts revised nondiscrimination policies, removes Title IX reference