[{"_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",6211749,"mediaKeyId","3689890-21fb37f0a30a2c7e4b757083edd4078c","parentId",3689890,"title","Board approves Chartwells amendment setting 2.2% administrative fee for 2025–26","audioSeconds",75,"startMs",3855000,"endMs",3930000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3689890-21fb37f0a30a2c7e4b757083edd4078c&start=3855&end=3930","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3689890-21fb37f0a30a2c7e4b757083edd4078c/thumbnail_3855000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6211749/Connecticut/Board-approves-Chartwells-amendment-setting-22-administrative-fee-for-202526","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211749-67706125f3984812d9d1865a669ce5f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775850665&Signature=Bd4AYuNPj8jdB3hWJOIrJzqlt9V1wnEUlyY1QQGuzPyIDFY2H5skqhYH6hX6hY90eCXv8Mv8VMKCLwuR04cwDkiZjxwANXseg0VEBX6kvaQVZgBDv5tD9L6pxb4NlP91LjrjoX9gA5srsSmoYWwR9jTrligyeDFXkwthn27n4XVNdpL6W2pa7sjJiD-kujkogkYxwIEnUH1aESFznuYXajMO71nOScdYSa0-WRT~6RqOw-j2jhw5s8VUYcTndooG56kKjxjkvxfiXrkvdfQ5hIKZma1xnjX-zjYIhYEE7CAIlVwdPiISdxYy816b53wMgxLvwJwW64YFV9VwluxthA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Farmington School District","date","2025-06-05T18:45:00Z","article","The Board of Education approved Amendment No. 1 to its Chartwells food‑service contract at the June 2 meeting, setting a 0% management fee and a 2.2% administrative fee for the 2025–26 school year.

District staff said the Connecticut guideline ties fee increases to the Consumer Price Index; the CPI declined from 4.6% last year to 3.8% this year, and the negotiated administrative fee therefore fell to 2.2%. The district noted it has a guaranteed annual return of $36,398 from Chartwells; that money has historically been used for cafeteria program enhancements such as kitchen equipment, serving lines and cafeteria tables.

The amendment passed by voice vote after a motion and second; the board chair declared the motion carried. District staff said the contract has met or exceeded the guaranteed return to date and that the funds relieve pressure on capital improvement budgets for kitchen and cafeteria upgrades.

Board members asked whether the administrative fee is passed to families; staff clarified the fees are charges the company invoices to the district to operate food service, not a direct family fee. The district will submit the amendment to Connecticut for final approval and include planned improvements in subsequent reports.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Farmington Board of Education Meeting - 06/02/25","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved Amendment No. 1 to the Chartwells food‑services contract, maintaining a 0% management fee and setting the administrative fee at 2.2% for 2025–26; the district reported a guaranteed return of $36,398 that can fund cafeteria improvements.","taxTitle","Farmington School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",60213,"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},6211754,"Board approves Title IX–related policy updates after second reading; one abstention",546,3220000,3766000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3689890-21fb37f0a30a2c7e4b757083edd4078c&start=3220&end=3766","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3689890-21fb37f0a30a2c7e4b757083edd4078c/thumbnail_3220000.jpg","/articles/6211754/Connecticut/Board-approves-Title-IXrelated-policy-updates-after-second-reading-one-abstention","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211754-b2cf3cd48552ffac594bf8d0e2eef253/orig.mp4?Expires=1775850665&Signature=mdprFVX7f2qvbqUKkr0QyyrDU7bulCtnNcWOKZMxEQyQxsZqiffoEEA0bDoL-ZcEHjlOujjVEO3DCTXNETiMcyvAlSFkO8YALY4Ijj40JO9S1lLNxIQ~ML-g2SIKR4jpwnu~OasnpBgimLav5FcJM~i6dIZaxtPukbqTtGOqyujXz9CGZCxoPHkADGwJeDuRX10y6186Ktoy4zGJd8aZc6STIJaOwFw7qZwad9GfRPcu7TJRBTcgUeP71jg2cjeji1XcNENEACfQBJSdmV-6rKSrMcfgHKMLVhU2kTvx26WcpA2-Vyi9IXWyuPll2vHtUfU6NOJBKpiJfSB6gqGaDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Farmington Board of Education approved revised nondiscrimination and admissions policies on second reading at its June 2 meeting after receiving legal guidance and staff responses to earlier questions.

Board members voted to adopt updated policy language for the personnel series and student nondiscrimination and harassment policies as well as two admissions policies. The revisions reflect counsel’s guidance after federal Title IX regulatory changes and clarify protections under Connecticut law, and the policies will be re‑reviewed over the summer as state and federal guidance evolves.

Shipman & Goodwin, the district’s legal counsel, reviewed the policies and removed unnecessary references to the 2024 Title IX regulations while retaining language required by state law and by other federal statutes such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Counsel also updated guidance about where complaints may be filed with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and noted the potential use of third‑party contractors for investigations.

Board member Eric (surname not specified in the record) said he would abstain on two of the policies, stating, “I will be abstaining from this vote,” and explained he wanted more time to review how 2024 Title IX changes interact with state law. The motion carried with the single abstention recorded for the personnel nondiscrimination policy (4118.1/4118.1a) and the student nondiscrimination policy (5145.5). The board chair confirmed the policies will be reviewed again if needed after counsel’s summer review of legislative changes.

Administrators noted that the district’s protections for gender identity and expression are based on Connecticut law and, in employment contexts, Title VII employment law. The board asked staff to consider a fall informational session or primer on how the interplay between federal Title IX rules and state law will operate going forward.

No immediate operational changes were announced; staff said they will continue to monitor legal developments and bring any recommended policy revisions back to the board.","The Farmington Board approved a set of policy updates related to nondiscrimination and admissions that removed some Title IX references after counsel review; one member abstained on two personnel/student nondiscrimination policies, citing concerns and a desire for further review.",{"_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},6211759,"Farmington reports expanded summer and after‑school offerings; Excel awards $22,000 in tuition aid",422,824000,1246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3689890-21fb37f0a30a2c7e4b757083edd4078c&start=824&end=1246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3689890-21fb37f0a30a2c7e4b757083edd4078c/thumbnail_824000.jpg","/articles/6211759/Connecticut/Farmington-reports-expanded-summer-and-afterschool-offerings-Excel-awards-22000-in-tuition-aid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211759-f8be04a24d4c4698272d4ad6c982a44e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775850665&Signature=Uss7NzfklB-1Cu5Wu7fwYNZIqkMCGwIzbFU-4c85WdwAqSU2GqJ~yFieuMr~g3gbF1ZAudaPRoU2CDjZjNzUfCTtBjeInoUGCKRu8YQakSKOg5Ci3MW6ta~I93jeUs-30c0BVXHMJK2BMroXeFrwAzcpVZbS5XdFzyLLmMsOKEO-tEPmA2XdVfcMLRiIZh~NF1x2C6IotIybjnhhzgozlx39S6bNx6rIJSMBBEr7A0zcYYQqlmq1VRFQUhUf4OrQ1GVwgU6v66a~u5goI9EuJAnQN0DqoS2ppoIMyRhck0xRiQj9fldFgAYb5FDgmJJ94LH25rlUWs62oLBq~RwBwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Kathleen C. Greeter and staff briefed the Board of Education on the district’s summer learning, continuing‑education and Excel after‑school programs on June 2, highlighting program growth and changes in preschool enrollment procedures.

District staff said offerings will include extended learning opportunities, camps and enrichment across school sites this summer, with a fuller fall report planned. Brenda Dolan, who presented continuing‑education highlights, credited evening custodial staff for facilitating classes in the new high school building and described program transitions after a long‑time coordinator’s departure.

Dolan said the program expanded popular offerings: “we were able to increase enrollment in Math Olympiad, 1 of our most popular after school programs, by 50% this year.” She also reported a record number of GED completions: 14 of 20 enrolled students had completed the GED with two more expected by month’s end — a jump from a prior high of four in 2017.

Brian Zirio reported on Excel (the district’s extended‑learning and care program). He said Excel awarded $22,000 in tuition assistance this year across 12 families and expanded robotics and Lego programs to after‑school at all school sites. Excel also plans to install a new playground at West Woods with a mid‑July target.

District staff described a change to the collaborative preschool admission process: the system moved from a first‑come, first‑served model to a randomized selection process to increase fairness. Staff said the district removed sibling and staff priority this year and randomized those grouped spots as well; the preschool still faces a large wait list (about 56 families in queue at the time of the report and the district on its 71st round of placements).

Administrators emphasized staff professional development gains: more after‑school and preschool employees hold college degrees than in prior years, including more master’s degrees among staff. The Board thanked Excel and continuing‑education staff for building programs that the members said serve Farmington and neighboring communities.

Board members asked clarifying questions about preschool prioritization and wait‑list mechanics; staff said there is currently no sibling priority and that a limited number of spots were reserved in randomized groupings (for example, ten spots for a specific partner in one round). The district will return with a more detailed fall report that will include program finances, participation counts by site and fuller staffing updates.

The board expressed appreciation for evening and program staff and highlighted the district’s STEM Expo earlier in the year, which drew about 350 attendees and showcased projects from pre‑K through grade 12.","Board received updates on continuing education, Excel after‑school programming and the collaborative preschool: Math Olympiad enrollment rose 50%, Excel awarded $22,000 to 12 families, and the collaborative preschool moved to a randomized, transparent admission model but still has a sizable wait list.",{"_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},6211764,"Farmington board says bus vendor must fix service after year of late, overcrowded routes",1104,1670000,2774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3689890-21fb37f0a30a2c7e4b757083edd4078c&start=1670&end=2774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3689890-21fb37f0a30a2c7e4b757083edd4078c/thumbnail_1670000.jpg","/articles/6211764/Connecticut/Farmington-board-says-bus-vendor-must-fix-service-after-year-of-late-overcrowded-routes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211764-1fac23ee8b6103d87bed8acc1d4d6297/orig.mp4?Expires=1775850665&Signature=REuJD04SUMHG7lFAT~vwqE9W42GKY-xQIGhzzEtRin4DnRP7Zc~fSeYd9dZJ0gq76SheHmhR1WbyUZ~oCuZWcOIDKWIWSTPtAppOJl~hN-erzWVJyoyBB-YXS2j4j6-SFkpshX~0KiVv3bs8cJTe1GK0jQIMzsOgRwGOtFL~64iWTTgeNmnCOGPhmgqZQrKgLXOwgLAKz3lWRa~2d2lUMHrbjYTegjbSIFkf7YRf2TfiLzHYcOUg8GeyUpc7JHNlsMG6m06cHR92fjvU4qEr4Qp5s6lc-ynrOtzsUqwws4yg1SSn-xQaOZ9hOUnLMDlDV5v3ivroKaywD6y9TSv9mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Farmington Board of Education pressed its contracted student-transportation provider on June 2 after a year of repeated late runs, parent complaints and reports of overcrowded buses.

Board members said the vendor’s failures disrupted families and threatened student safety and demanded stronger accountability and a clear improvement plan ahead of the 2025–26 school year.

Board Chair William Beckert told the vendor’s absence from the meeting had limits. “They don't have any more room for error. Full stop,” he said, adding that the board’s patience was exhausted and that the district might pursue legal options if problems persist. A district staff speaker summarized the scale of the problems as an implementation failure: “I confidently can say ... we hit that trench right there,” referring to the year’s service decline and the effort to recover.

Board members and parents described repeated late buses, drivers shortages, routes that diverted buses onto highways and what they characterized as overcrowding that in some cases left students seated two or more to a seat or standing. Several board members said they had received persistent contact from families and recounted personal incidents involving their own children. “Overcrowding on buses ... is a safety concern for me, and that's not acceptable,” one board member said during public remarks.

District staff and members said some operational problems stemmed from driver shortages and from the vendor losing a local contract that had provided drivers and spare vehicles; staff said the vendor expects some relief if those drivers and vehicles become available next year. The district also reported some offsetting budget improvements — lower fuel spending and other efficiencies — but emphasized service quality remained the priority.

The board discussed specific corrective expectations for the vendor: improved driver recruitment and retention, completed route testing before the start of school, timely communications to families when runs are delayed or canceled, and clearer traffic and safety practices during drop-off and pick-up. Several board members asked that the vendor be required to make regular reports to the district and suggested requiring company representation at board meetings until performance improves.

No formal disciplinary motion or termination vote occurred at the June 2 meeting; the board framed its comments as a directive to district staff to press the vendor for a measurable improvement plan over the summer. Superintendent Kathleen C. Greeter and district staff said they would communicate the board’s expectations and continue negotiating operational changes with the vendor.

Board members asked staff to confirm route testing and driver staffing well before the start of the next school year, and to provide clear, documented communication to families this summer about what the district will expect from the vendor and what corrective steps families can expect to see. The board scheduled a special meeting for June 17 to review ongoing operational and staffing matters.

The board’s comments came after a year in which the district switched vendors and entered a roughly $25 million transportation contract; however, the board stopped short of declaring a formal contract breach at the June 2 meeting.

District staff said they share the board’s expectations and reiterated that buses should never leave schools with students standing in aisles. The board said the vendor’s performance next year will determine whether further legal or contract actions are required.","Board members criticized the district’s contracted bus operator for repeated late runs, alleged overcrowding and unsafe routing during the 2024–25 school year and said the vendor has \"no margin for error\" next year; no formal termination vote was taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves Chartwells amendment setting 2.2% administrative fee for 2025–26

Board approves Title IX–related policy updates after second reading; one abstention

Farmington reports expanded summer and after‑school offerings; Excel awards $22,000 in tuition aid

Farmington board says bus vendor must fix service after year of late, overcrowded routes