Simsbury Board of Education approves strategic 5-year plan and celebrates Transition Academy opening

The Simsbury Public Schools Board of Education convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including personnel changes, the strategic plan, and updates on community initiatives.

The meeting commenced with a commendation for the collaborative efforts among the Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, and Board of Finance, which were credited for successfully navigating the school budget process. The board also celebrated the grand opening of the Farmington Valley Transition Academy, highlighting its state-of-the-art facilities and the positive impact it will have on the community.

Following the opening remarks, the board approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on April 22. A significant personnel announcement was made regarding the retirement of Kathy Robbins, an esteemed English teacher with 27 years of service, effective June 30, 2025. Her contributions to the Advanced Placement English program were acknowledged, with over a hundred students passing the college entrance exam each year under her guidance. Additionally, Martie Bruckner, a special education teacher, announced her retirement, effective in three years.

The board then turned its attention to the strategic plan for 2025-2030. The final version of the plan was presented, reflecting extensive feedback from previous meetings and public hearings. The board unanimously approved the strategic plan, which aims to align educational priorities and set a clear direction for the next five years.

Maggie, a representative from the Trojan Community Council, provided an overview of the council's work focused on enhancing post-secondary opportunities for students. The council aims to develop a comprehensive program of studies that clearly outlines various pathways for students after high school, including college, vocational training, and apprenticeships. The initiative emphasizes the importance of community connections and student engagement in exploring career options.

In the latter part of the meeting, the board reviewed proposed textbooks for the upcoming academic year, including materials for AP English and a graphic novel adaptation of "The Odyssey." The integration of these resources aims to enhance student understanding and accessibility to complex texts.

The meeting concluded with discussions on policy updates, specifically regarding tuition fees for non-resident students. The board's commitment to improving educational resources and community engagement was evident throughout the session, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school year.