[{"_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",6582207,"mediaKeyId","3142743-3883682d72e5164bfa7422894c3a581b","parentId",3142743,"title","State Board representative warns of federal ESSER clawback; special-education bills and Title VI certification contested","audioSeconds",251,"startMs",1317000,"endMs",1568000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3142743-3883682d72e5164bfa7422894c3a581b&start=1317&end=1568","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3142743-3883682d72e5164bfa7422894c3a581b/thumbnail_1317000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6582207/Connecticut/State-Board-representative-warns-of-federal-ESSER-clawback-special-education-bills-and-Title-VI-certification-contested","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582207-7ccb86b0c21c0893b1ebc53ed063fe91/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177506&Signature=LubJ79d1zZXQ0IpM-9US7YgKdOlqilCsrzJihu51K9KVTW8hutn5HeK24dPtyXwFs2vuSgzP~FMKkJTnaG8eG8sLIC-ZOCANRdsyQKrsc1QHnVDFxo9nxJZV3asrMVJOoFUh6a6Y~FPe8Fp3NGLOdyzsxfPK3qs8SRCLzTtI8PHxKAA7MmBGJRB8S7eno-pz7GNt98YsbpS4hxpSdcmups14-Zp3cZTRGTX0z3p0VrHlPShC0KwgfJWYdpHxnskp-ohLV48XthBRuKD9xjeU0uW7XPCbmlVM22sh0JHKYFl2EDZmcYigQUP96WHxhcWgZUgnXRCnRB-uYXFy7pAK9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stratford School District","date","2025-04-29T02:09:06.053Z","article","Miss Rickard, the board's State Board of Education representative, told the Stratford Board that on March 28 the federal government issued a clawback of ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds that led several districts to lose money; Connecticut officials have submitted another waiver request and the state is pursuing that process with the U.S. Department of Education.

Rickard said Connecticut lost about $7 million in the initial clawback and that almost two dozen districts were affected; the state requested additional waivers and a federal decision was pending at the time of her remarks. She said the state was pursuing a process to certify compliance where required and that Connecticut's Department of Education has notified the U.S. Department that the state believes existing assurances (from the consolidated state plan) already meet the federal request. She also noted that the National Education Association (NEA) filed suit challenging the U.S. Department's request and that a federal court issued an injunction that applies to NEA districts while the litigation proceeds.

Rickard and other speakers flagged a major special-education package — House Bill 7277 and Senate Bill 1561 — that was released shortly before a public hearing. She said the bills were extensive (more than 60 pages) and that public testimony was limited; the bills aim to standardize certain outplacement tuition rates and build district capacity to serve students in-district but include provisions some state educators and the commissioner said may conflict with FERPA or IDEA and several provisions were unfunded in the governor's budget.

Why it matters
The federal clawback of ESSER funds and the Title VI / certification dispute have immediate fiscal implications for districts, and the special-education bills could reshape how outplacements are paid and regulated statewide. Stratford board members were advised that the litigation and ongoing federal/state conversations might affect district funding and compliance obligations.

Provenance (transcript evidence)
- Topic introduction (ESSER clawback): \"The most recent state board of education meeting was Wednesday, April 2. You may recall that just prior to that on March 28, the federal government issued a clawback of ESSER funds, which reversed funding, extensions that had been previously granted to states and towns.\" (transcript s=1317.71)
- Title VI / injunction mention: \"The commissioner has since sent a letter... the NEA filed a lawsuit seeking to block the enforcement of that request... last Thursday, they won an injunction in federal court. So this injunction applies specifically to NEA districts of which we are 1.\" (transcript s=1524.5549)
- Special education bills: \"The bill to pay attention to... House bill 7277, and Senate bill 1561... the commissioner... emphasized... some parts seem to fly afoul of FERPA... potential IDEA violations... many of the things are not funded, in the governor's budget.\" (transcript s=1667.955 to s=1743.8999)

Speakers (attribution whitelist)
- Miss Rickard — State Board of Education representative (presented the report).
- Miss Borges — Superintendent, Stratford Public Schools (referenced regarding district readiness and funding concerns).
- Representative Joe Resco (state legislature, provided later legislative context to the board).

Authorities mentioned in the discussion
- ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) — federal funding program (referenced as subject of clawback).
- House Bill 7277 / Senate Bill 1561 — special education legislation under consideration in Connecticut (referenced by name in the transcript).
- FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) — federal statutes referenced by the State Board representative and commissioner as potential conflict points.

Clarifying details and context noted in the meeting
- The state reportedly lost about $7,000,000 in the initial ESSER clawback (as reported by the State Board representative).
- Connecticut had requested another waiver and litigation (NEA injunction) temporarily shields NEA-affiliated districts from the Department of Education's requested certification while the court order stands.
- The special-education bills are large and include fiscal and regulatory changes; the commissioner provided written testimony noting possible conflicts and unfunded mandates.

Why the board discussed it now
Board members were advised because the developments could affect district revenues, compliance obligations, and the timing or content of state-level special-education policy changes that carry direct budgetary and operational consequences for local school districts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 28, 2025 - Stratford Board of Education - Monthly Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A State Board of Education representative told the Stratford Board that a March 28 federal clawback of ESSER funds affected multiple districts and that Connecticut has requested further federal waivers; related litigation and draft special-education legislation remain in flux.","taxTitle","Stratford School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",64392,"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},6582211,"Votes at a glance: school construction, budget transfers, healthy food certification and new courses approved",50,3865000,3915000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3142743-3883682d72e5164bfa7422894c3a581b&start=3865&end=3915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3142743-3883682d72e5164bfa7422894c3a581b/thumbnail_3865000.jpg","/articles/6582211/Connecticut/Votes-at-a-glance-school-construction-budget-transfers-healthy-food-certification-and-new-courses-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582211-165a7a2c28ac60468f46711295a1ad9d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177506&Signature=ML1tgyBURCiG0baLylkO-SdZ-7ey0kpRMcJqETXpFY0Qe8LTEk0aq-d0uOQSXmHO8~DjAqPYIQJTfOvUI56vKEsQyIVe2mXlyqbPYwljcVsG4d1t~3VQUwk366d1VaetET6npKLGSCPvbKkISmAYuya8CMr1lPmjAAks8ed729RMHTp6EuJZsEYJ-0OWIYjSHF~KRFmYAJAXZ5yE8Xm~Oy1vyHFfO-BnEqWhfkYoYzR6xOcv1fzkSyxL1cz0LltjZYxL~Wdpn9-pkZ7Lrjm-vUYKHFTppp-iHz8yFpaWQw7n0xybXEm0PpLPAUYDVh-H74Cfz9yWHNkq2k96zFz9ZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stratford Board of Education voted unanimously to accept a completed state-funded roof replacement and photovoltaic (solar) project at Second Hill Lane Elementary and to file the final grant application with the state Department of Administrative Services.

The board approved two budget transfers: $13,800 to cover the cost of a superintendent search conducted by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, and $43,320 moved from technology accounts to purchase Chromebooks now to lock in lower prices. The board also certified participation in the state Healthy Food Certification for the 2025–26 year and approved limited food- and beverage-exemption rules for after‑hours school events.

On curriculum and policy, the board approved a new high-school course titled Spanish for the Native Heritage Speaker 1 and 2 (to be written this summer and phased in for 2026–27), adopted an updated vandalism policy, and adopted an updated conduct policy (amended to clarify that remote platforms such as virtual meetings are covered). The board also approved minutes for recent meetings and ratified the personnel report.

All motions recorded in the transcript passed unanimously. Where the transcript did not publish individual vote counts, the board minutes record the motions as passing unanimously; exact numerical tallies were not specified in the public discussion.

Votes listed in the meeting record
- Waive rules/add Second Hill Lane project to agenda: moved by Bedell, second by O'Brien; motion passed unanimously.
- Accept Second Hill Lane Elementary state project 1380109 RRPV as complete and file final grant form SCG049F: moved by O'Brien, second by Rose Madel; passed unanimously.
- Budget transfer 1: $13,800 (cover superintendent search): moved/second; passed unanimously.
- Budget transfer 2: $43,320 (technology funds to Chromebooks): moved/second; passed unanimously.
- Healthy Food Certification (certify compliance for 07/01/2025–06/30/2026): motion to certify and approve as read; passed unanimously.
- Food exemptions (after-hours event exemptions): motion to certify and approve; passed unanimously.
- Beverage exemptions (after-hours event exemptions): motion to certify and approve; passed unanimously.
- Approval to develop Spanish for Native Heritage Speaker 1 & 2 course and place into curriculum writing process: moved/second; passed unanimously.
- Adoption of vandalism policy (second read for adoption): passed unanimously.
- Adoption of updated conduct policy (amended to specify \"remote platforms such as virtual meetings\"): motion to waive first read and adopt as amended; passed unanimously.
- Acceptance of minutes for 03/24/2025 regular meeting, 04/07/2025 special meeting and 04/21/2025 special meeting: passed unanimously.
- Personnel report (appointments/resignations/retirements) accepted: passed unanimously.

Why it matters
The actions finalize a state-funded construction project and free the district to seek reimbursement; they reallocate existing resources to meet near-term technology needs; and they establish district rules for food/beverage sales and conduct, all of which affect students, staff and operations for the coming school year.

Provenance (transcript evidence)
- Second Hill Lane waiver (topicintro): \"I would like to, get a motion to waive the rules and have the second LA Elementary School, filing a form for project, 130 eight-one hundred and 9 RRPV, added to the agenda?\" (transcript block starting at s=3865.27)
- Second Hill Lane acceptance (topfinish): \"Be it resolved that the Stratford Board of Ed accepts the secondhandling lane elementary school state project number 1380109 RRPD as complete. So moved. Moved by mister O'Brien, second by Rose Madel. Any discussion? All those in favor?... Motion passed unanimously.\" (transcript blocks starting at s=3908.895)
- Budget transfer 1 (topicintro/topfinish): \"a transfer of $13,800 is necessary to cover the cost of the superintendent search...\" and the subsequent motion: (transcript blocks s=5852.06 and s=5877.36)
- Budget transfer 2 (topicintro/topfinish): \"transfer of available funds... $43,320... purchase Chromebooks\" and the motion (transcript blocks s=5888.895 and s=5926.62)
- Healthy Food Certification and exemptions (topicintro/topfinish): certification language read and motions (transcript blocks s=5961.5103 to s=6168.415)
- Spanish course approval (topicintro/topfinish): curriculum committee description and motion to approve (transcript blocks s=6205.785 to s=6294.54)
- Policy adoptions (topicintro/topfinish): vandalism policy and conduct policy adoption and amendment (transcript blocks s=6422.045 and s=6736.195)

Speakers (attribution whitelist)
- Miss Bedell — Board member (mover of waiver motion)
- Mister O'Brien — Board member (second/ mover on multiple motions)
- Rose Madel — Board member (second on project acceptance)
- Miss Mangini — Chief Operating Officer/Finance (presented budget items)
- Matt Rivers — Director of Technology (referenced for Chromebook request)
- Donna Marino — Spanish teacher/Bunnell High School (presented Spanish course)
- Miss Borges (Superintendent) — Superintendent, Stratford Public Schools (mentioned in discussion)
- Theresa (Clerk/staff) — Board staff (referenced for document distribution)
Notes: Quotes and attributions in this article come only from the speakers listed above or are unattributed when no speaker was specified in the transcript.

Authorities referenced in meeting discussion
- Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Office of School Construction (referenced for final grant filing)
- Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-215f (Healthy Food Certification statutory requirement)","At its April meeting the Stratford Board of Education unanimously approved the final acceptance of the Second Hill Lane Elementary roof and solar project, two budget transfers, the annual Healthy Food Certification and related exemptions, a new Spanish course for native speakers, and several policy updates and personnel/minutes items.",{"_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},6582197,"Students and parents urge board to restore summer band camp after grant funding ended",162,238000,400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3142743-3883682d72e5164bfa7422894c3a581b&start=238&end=400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3142743-3883682d72e5164bfa7422894c3a581b/thumbnail_238000.jpg","/articles/6582197/Connecticut/Students-and-parents-urge-board-to-restore-summer-band-camp-after-grant-funding-ended","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582197-43b49cede5b578c30aff5b6f96b921f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177506&Signature=N~vbJ7fKvZBFbqx2qbcVCeF1pzZNtrBH6xcWbtJV2wgylkT0XU-Hz9qPSACU7mjrxVsN0yBqNSrGgc-KpvjVPU4NRMcztKxrOVmW7C9w7Cfp~aUdUAcTOVjiHSkNEb3aZxIEhocbFGmVCWBlxB7wF6fHLrzosJbsB-Ge9DlvqgDigg7fUMlse00BDn~P5-oiyJEq~M2pqV56F4y7lq9o9eArxMZueoGTepF~L19u0CMAPVn6jr1~2mZ9e5~9Futqswp1OdDbeED6NWj5yevkfLZOwwJ1BdifE5~01cd0XJSvjsI9~oBjrGA8Mhv09Y-OhNkwqFYgUplTV2tVgb0H0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kara Cummings, a sixth-grade student, told the board she had hoped to attend band camp this summer, describing it as the place where she learned clarinet and where older students volunteered. She said the program had been canceled \"due to funding\" and urged the board to find money so the camp can return this year or next.

A parent who identified herself as Jennifer (last name not stated) also described the band-camp experience as \"wonderful\" and urged the board to support restoring the program; she said volunteers and high-school students helped run the camp and that it had been a meaningful summer activity for local children.

Superintendent Borges replied that the camp had been funded by an ASR federal grant for a set period and that district staff were \"aggressively looking for other grants\" to continue the program. Borges said there were no promises yet and that the district would like to see the program continued, and acknowledged staff (noting Miss Boire's nod) were pursuing options.

Why it matters
Summer extracurricular programs provide instruction and supervised activity for students during the school break; their continuation depends on available funding, often from grants that expire. Students and families asked the board to seek funding or include the program in future budgets.

Provenance (transcript evidence)
- Topic introduction (public comment): \"My name is Kara Cummings... it was gonna be my third year going into band camp... it got canceled due to funding\" (transcript s=238.88 to s=296.52)
- Superintendent response (topfinish): \"That was an ASR funded program, that was a federally funded grant... I know we are aggressively looking for other grants... no promises yet... it was a grant funded program and, hopefully we can, continue with it.\" (transcript s=385.40997)

Speakers (attribution whitelist)
- Kara Cummings — 6th-grade student, Stratford Public Schools (spoke in public comment)
- Jennifer (surname not specified) — parent / community member (spoke in public comment)
- Superintendent Borges — Superintendent, Stratford Public Schools (responded on funding status)

Authorities mentioned
- ASR federal grant (referenced by superintendent as the prior funding source) — recorded as \"ASR funded program\" in the transcript.

Clarifying details
- Funding source for band camp: described by superintendent as an ASR federal grant that had a fixed allocation and time limit; district staff stated they are seeking new grants but made no commitments.
- Program status: canceled for the current summer due to the end of the grant; district staff said they hope to find funding to restore the program either this summer or next year but made no promise.

Community relevance
- Geography: Stratford children and families who rely on district-run or district-supported summer enrichment programs.
- Impact groups: elementary and middle-school students who participate in band and music programs; volunteer high-school students and music staff.

Meeting context
The band-camp appeal occurred during public comment. The superintendent responded with factual context about the prior grant funding and ongoing grant-seeking efforts; board members did not take an immediate vote on funding at the meeting.","A sixth-grade student and a parent told the Stratford Board the district's summer band camp was canceled after a federal grant ended; the superintendent said the program had been grant-funded (ASR) and staff are seeking new grants but could make no promises for immediate restoration.",{"_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},6582202,"Residency and school safety update: cameras, dispatcher changes and 38 residency investigations this year",432,2342000,2774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3142743-3883682d72e5164bfa7422894c3a581b&start=2342&end=2774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3142743-3883682d72e5164bfa7422894c3a581b/thumbnail_2342000.jpg","/articles/6582202/Connecticut/Residency-and-school-safety-update-cameras-dispatcher-changes-and-38-residency-investigations-this-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582202-712eebc406556141a93202ef6eab90b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177506&Signature=L6whxl4ue4uurVVfxLB8ncu1hxlpnVmGunQDJgz3SjZjGEk0300DDr4Yls8WNpmj4CTSGIEAH4XwKhmWeL2gF9XkW9HuE3Cx07m6W1Qh1uOmYWgyjH9i7FwwXbsnLCnAz4K1pSJP5V9ns5gLArRA5qSi5cktufAP57pqjvd0TNfpIJoMGTEoq92IDtHaYooFfprBiiAwja-~dMXj911ObBsM8r9Qako5zY4aFfU~fTcSFYQvjK66j4aF7YQ3eayjKxKPkHRL6bNAxpWRc8DpWBwmxFB9YlSa07A3DUPNlgmuDeREiWMW~pv0MFRpsSarJhLGme2Ycb7~TdU52Nd1Fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District security and residency staff described a series of safety and residency efforts and their operational impact.

Carlos (security and climate specialist and residency investigator) told the board the district has been working with police, fire and the bus company to add cameras and speed enforcement for cars that fail to stop for buses. He said administrators attended multi-day school-safety training through Western Connecticut State University and that the district is labeling doors inside and outside buildings with a system that helps first responders identify entry points more quickly.

Carlos said the district is replacing an out-of-state call center vendor (based in Ohio) with a new firm in New Jersey effective July 1; he reported current emergency call handling takes about a minute and the district's goal is to reduce that to 20–30 seconds. He also said the district turned on daytime door alarms at schools to notify staff when exterior doors open during school hours and to tie those alarms to the appropriate administrators.

On residency work, Carlos reported 38 cases this year. He explained his investigations typically include multiple surveillance visits (a minimum of four, not on consecutive days), checks in PowerSchool and other records, and careful scheduling so that findings are lawful and defensible at hearing. He described the due-process timeline in residency hearings: families have 10 days to request a hearing after a district notice, the hearing officer has 10 days to issue a decision, and families have 20 days to appeal to the state; the district reported no cases were appealed to the state this year.

Why it matters
The measures seek to reduce emergency-response time, improve incident monitoring, and ensure residency determinations follow due process; the residency caseload and procedures have budget and legal implications for student assignments and transportation.

Provenance (transcript evidence)
- Topic introduction (safety/residency): \"Before I start, speaking about residency, I just wanna highlight a couple of the, things that I've been doing, working along with the police department and fire department to keep our schools safe.\" (transcript s=2342.365)
- Dispatcher timing and vendor change: \"So as of July 1, it's gonna be a different company out of New Jersey. Right now, it takes about a minute, which is still too long. My goal is to get that done anywhere between 20 to 30 seconds.\" (transcript s=2752.4302 to s=2774.21)
- Residency caseload and process: \"This year, we had a total of 38 cases... The cases that I work, they take I have to do at least 4 visits for surveillance... When we send the letter out telling the family that we do not we believe that they don't reside in town, at that point, they have 10 days to ask for a hearing, and we have 10 days to set up that hearing... that family has 20 days to appeal to the state.\" (transcript s=2862.58 to s=3102.8499)

Speakers (attribution whitelist)
- Carlos — Security and Climate Specialist / Residency Investigator (district staff) (speaker identified in transcript as \"Carlos\").
- Miss Borges (Superintendent) — Superintendent (praised the work and referenced staffing and training).
- Board members (various) — offered questions and praise during the update.

Clarifying details extracted from the meeting
- Residency caseload this year: 38 reported cases (source: Carlos).
- Minimum surveillance protocol: at least 4 visits; visits cannot all be consecutive; visits may begin as early as 06:30 for certain schools (source: Carlos).
- Due-process timeline: family has 10 days to request hearing after notice; district has 10 days to set hearing; hearing officer has 10 days to issue decision; family has 20 days to appeal to state (source: Carlos).
- Call-center vendor change: current vendor in Ohio; new vendor out of New Jersey effective July 1; current average call handling ~1 minute; district target 20–30 seconds (source: Carlos).
- PowerSchool used as a data source for residency checks (source: Carlos).

Proper names and systems referenced
- PowerSchool (student information system)
- Western Connecticut State University (training partner)

Community relevance
- Geographies: All Stratford schools; bus routes and roadways near school drop-off/pick-up.
- Funding sources: district capital and operational budgets for cameras and security staffing; no new dedicated state funds mentioned for these items.
- Impact groups: students, families under residency review, bus drivers and school resource officers.

Meeting context
The residency and safety update prompted follow-up questions from board members about response times, surveillance methods, and how the office coordinates with police dispatch; administrators praised Carlos for operational improvements and noted full staffing of security/climate specialist positions was recently achieved.","District security staff reported new safety measures and an active residency-investigation caseload: camera additions, a door‑labeling system for first responders, a pending change to the district call center vendor, and 38 residency cases handled this school year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State Board representative warns of federal ESSER clawback; special-education bills and Title VI certification contested

Votes at a glance: school construction, budget transfers, healthy food certification and new courses approved

Students and parents urge board to restore summer band camp after grant funding ended

Residency and school safety update: cameras, dispatcher changes and 38 residency investigations this year