[{"_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",6473756,"mediaKeyId","5743456-129c757bcea17335316e1f3975bfbc06","parentId",5743456,"title","Cromwell schools report gains on state assessments; board hears detailed academic data","audioSeconds",1712,"startMs",4731000,"endMs",6443000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5743456-129c757bcea17335316e1f3975bfbc06&start=4731&end=6443","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5743456-129c757bcea17335316e1f3975bfbc06/thumbnail_4731000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6473756/Connecticut/Cromwell-schools-report-gains-on-state-assessments-board-hears-detailed-academic-data","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473756-c7a6f3b8d5af6f5260577551f52254cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579674&Signature=J78G50O123Zx7f3ke7wTspZ7gV0HDsV~dInWWOhvdcZuLy-5yqmeqU7V7-fp2MHWKvH702s9skDev-OK5MUmWX~nf07P~4Q3twLh0QJIqN2HoaRL-5nVhPyJHdtO4FtFrxtzl2UC-XteFgPuiSU0aWi396dn6l7RF3vZpcGz6paHR83-o24ZnGg16oo0SSQ6~xudTHt8oKCMe5tz3bR4uv7l-SsocZLnx53W9x8wBW3sDSC5ND2TtIAT6PI9Ck3V6AFJaiU5NtjNLIswJp6Tj-ClYXRdbncUdyoQi73BCVhsU7hwfY-TRN7~YbzwMFn63yP2lUhEwy8-lyJ7tcjBQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cromwell School District","date","2025-09-09T22:40:29Z","article","District curriculum leaders presented the school district’s annual accountability data, reporting growth across multiple assessments and outlining continuing challenges, particularly in grade 8 math and SAT participation timing for upper grades.

The presentation noted gains in Smarter Balanced math and reading scores: district math proficiency for grades 3–5 rose about 4% year over year with fourth grade showing an 8.4% increase; cohort analysis showed multi-year gains for the same student groups. Reading results were notable: the district reported a 9.3% overall increase in Smarter Balanced reading for grades 3–5 with fourth grade improving 13.7% and fifth grade cohorts showing substantial multi-year gains.

Science and college-readiness: NGSS (science) results showed modest district growth overall and larger gains in grade 8 (about 9%) and grade 5 (about 6%). Curriculum staff noted a perceived motivation and timing issue among 11th graders taking the SAT that likely affected results and said they will consider adjusting the testing window; one presenter said the drop in grade 11 science/SAT performance appears to reflect motivational and scheduling issues rather than a pervasive instructional deficit.

PSAT/SAT and AP: The district reported spring-to-spring growth on PSAT benchmarks (9th graders +4%; 10th graders +8%) and a 6% increase for 11th graders from fall PSAT to spring SAT. The district highlighted AP performance: 88% of students taking AP exams earned scores of 3 or higher, a rise from earlier years and a meaningful increase in college-credit earning among students.

Why it matters: Board members and administrators said the gains validate multi-year curriculum work and coaching support while noting the need to target supports for eighth-grade math and to examine course sequencing and assessment timing to improve SAT-based measures. Presenters tied much of the progress to sustained curriculum development and the recent expansion of coaching and implementation supports.

Taper and next steps: Curriculum staff said they will focus on eighth-grade math supports, review crosswalks to SAT content and consider shifting assessment timing to improve student engagement. The board praised teachers and coaches for the progress and asked staff to continue reporting on targeted interventions and follow-up metrics.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cromwell Board of Education Meeting, September 9, 2025 7:00pm","oneSentenceSummary","District leaders presented Smarter Balanced, NGSS, PSAT/SAT and AP results showing multi-year gains in math and reading at several grade levels, movement up the DURG rankings in ELA, and strong AP pass rates; the board and administrators discussed math proficiency at grade 8 and SAT participation timing.","taxTitle","Cromwell School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",55355,"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},6473761,"Board approves CABE self-evaluation; consultant offered free administration and follow-up",1261,1238000,2499000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5743456-129c757bcea17335316e1f3975bfbc06&start=1238&end=2499","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5743456-129c757bcea17335316e1f3975bfbc06/thumbnail_1238000.jpg","/articles/6473761/Connecticut/Board-approves-CABE-self-evaluation-consultant-offered-free-administration-and-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473761-a611ea496275fd531485832837851ae9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579674&Signature=DOwskxt~7iP~sCaZhpCWze1lk5D~RzoKT~5H2zurD3okmPhnAyJriXUS9M7oZye28LdmEJEwE4EYRDEDShSEZtyq~6wI4jBNOt64wH1GhELlwxkc2BIbNr6xVs5uutFvenYG2LqGR9EdW-wtuo9Txy6moBY6kc9sK7~hECQhyU89hApePPllRQtrIjvgeFSCe3u3rmckrHkaLA5OexnW-BpkjSYMbyczoIxIxvSVJcpOJiQ5TgGty6aO2ckf--1ZLNeB6RoG5QP3bvNibDkA91nWHCVSCn7nOlsZA9j18cALI-XwyRmPJDfnLlmhXfHUHU4g7kF4VMxxqoolTlOMMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cromwell Board of Education voted to proceed with a board self-evaluation using the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) tool and to invite CABE to tabulate and facilitate review of aggregated, anonymous results.

Nick Caruso, CABE’s associate executive director for field service and technology, told the board the instrument is grounded in research on effective boards and designed to prompt boards to align goals and governance practices with student achievement. “Boards of education that spent time challenging themselves and looking introspectively at how they worked were more effective,” Caruso said, summarizing the tool’s research basis.

Why it matters: Board self-evaluation is intended to identify governance strengths and weaknesses, align board work to strategic goals and inform future board development. Caruso emphasized the importance of the written comments that accompany ratings: aggregated comments help distinguish the meaning behind numeric scores.

Process and logistics: CABE staff offered to tabulate results at no charge as part of the district’s membership. Caruso described multiple submission options — paper, Excel and carefully managed electronic methods — and said results would be returned in an anonymous, aggregated report with charts and comment compilations. The board discussed timing and indicated an interest in completing evaluations within a few weeks to allow for an October or November review session.

Vote and next steps: Board member Lori made the motion to complete the CABE self-evaluation tool; Matt seconded and the motion carried. Board members asked for the option to ask CABE clarifying questions about particular items before completing the form and for paper or Excel submission formats to preserve anonymity in tabulation.

Taper: Staff will confirm the distribution method and deadlines, collect completed forms and schedule a facilitated review session once CABE processes the results.","The board approved administering the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) self-evaluation tool and to return results for facilitated review; CABE representative Nick Caruso described the tool's research basis and the process for anonymous responses and aggregated results.",{"_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},6473765,"Board moves $575,379 to unexpended account to close fiscal year surplus",713,540000,1253000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5743456-129c757bcea17335316e1f3975bfbc06&start=540&end=1253","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5743456-129c757bcea17335316e1f3975bfbc06/thumbnail_540000.jpg","/articles/6473765/Connecticut/Board-moves-575379-to-unexpended-account-to-close-fiscal-year-surplus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473765-45ca1acecb5a62284d31e820865da3c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579674&Signature=QvC~AZECCbEzUPuBOItKWkk1Wnvpn8TK1DJOgozzxQjaX0PJs08oCoFLxgQkxh6vKSYIf4mCHsSH1VzX39kxFJD1o9uF3K3AeaFK-orIErDlRdwsFUlRLMnYfRZAlq4bHzq6mAMLEiratZgfvIrJSeIBBuqmw9k4fhz-WUMqhp2Yvg4pjqLgoWJlhd~M-7io~3zbhD7PfHc7QVDUUKQcNUYEOWGv8QqNZ9XHu7PU86cxNMlOMDfFdCvTRL8L23Awb9EYm74tICm~5dyolyv~F-EXIOUMfKmCM2VbAl7ea-BkVQXhMDiPNhOqFEo0ZiT8HMgZJlYh9leQo4vHgl-nzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cromwell Board of Education voted to move $575,379 into the district’s unexpended account as a year-end surplus transfer, the district’s finance staff reported.

Business office staff explained the number reflects a late August reimbursement related to repair of the high school stage after a sprinkler incident and a software posting issue that had initially omitted the deposit. “The new surplus for the end of the year is $575,379, representing just 1.5% of the budget,” finance staff told the board.

Why it matters: moving the surplus into the unexpended account preserves those funds for district priorities and gives the board flexibility to allocate them later; the track discussion that followed was one immediate use considered for a portion of the unexpended balance.

Details and next steps: Finance staff said the district hired six additional paraprofessionals this fall — an unanticipated cost of about $125,000 — and that the preliminary 2025–26 fiscal review will be on the agenda at the next meeting. The board approved the transfer by voice vote; the motion passed with no recorded opposition.

Taper: Staff said they will present the 2025–26 fiscal outlook at the next regular meeting and will track any additional changes to the unexpended balance as the board considers capital requests.","School business office reported a year-end surplus and the board approved moving $575,379 into the district's unexpended account to reserve the funds for future uses; finance staff said the surplus rose slightly after a late reimbursement.",{"_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},6473770,"Cromwell board pledges $150,000 toward high school track resurfacing after months-long discussion",2288,2456000,4744000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5743456-129c757bcea17335316e1f3975bfbc06&start=2456&end=4744","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5743456-129c757bcea17335316e1f3975bfbc06/thumbnail_2456000.jpg","/articles/6473770/Connecticut/Cromwell-board-pledges-150000-toward-high-school-track-resurfacing-after-months-long-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473770-4b52ffda37ee320617ee051eeae2329a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579674&Signature=KM4EnTlzWn8RNRXRV8hg2GIMq5QxU1bpWYkR2wGd8GeObWe9d7OuRcoOY4nN96pcF~nSvUWdZgMvsr4bvbNNSJbeCs3EHF29AHawhgZBRkc5bGPdGlBwZOkvTF3j~pqOUi6Kaowrq7wCYKdLMfCZ~3FTuuWECu4v~b4eWHR0iaohsFpNVhKn5dUyQjjGU1QD6F2QpNVpLOahjDwip8Ze5wFCcbSaM7DXRsIDDXy9vKfqazbPuWrYVyvX4ITpKlSV79oOWyRvora4qC0uh7aP7HO64w7DFyiUAqbdt6~Q41ny9iGEYivwgClZn7MkFyEdU4slbn4vrwI~Rh4T4TFcMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cromwell Board of Education voted to allot $150,000 from the district's unexpended funds toward resurfacing the Cromwell High School track and associated work after a lengthy discussion about costs, security and timing.

The move follows a facilities assessment that found the rubber surface had failed while the underlying asphalt remained intact; Facilities staff presented a vendor estimate of $382,500 to replace the rubber top and an additional $20,000 to add a colored relay exchange area. Claudio Bozzano, providing the update, said, “The cost is $382,500 to replace the rubber surface and an additional 20,000 to put in the track exchange zone.”

Why it matters: board members framed the project as an investment for students and the broader community while warning against committing the district’s full surplus in a year with other budget uncertainties. Board members also pressed for steps to reduce trespass and damage to the track — including adding bleachers, improving fencing and signage and consulting the police — saying those measures must begin whether or not resurfacing proceeds immediately.

Key details: Facilities staff told the board resurfacing the rubber top can proceed without repaving the asphalt, but acknowledged the district will not know if the base needs replacement until the current surface is removed. Board members were told a full rebuild (including asphalt) would add substantially to cost if required; facilities staff recommended allowing roughly four months lead time to secure materials and contract scheduling ahead of a summer construction window.

Security and scope: Board members repeatedly raised concerns about e-bikes, go-karts and other damage to the existing track. Bozzano said the district has poured concrete pads and ordered anchored bleachers to move spectator seating above the fence line and is increasing signage and discussions with the police department; he said surveillance is not currently installed. Athletic Director Josh LeMay and others told the board that colored exchange zones assist safety and athlete timing at full speed; LeMay described the zones as “an added safety measure.”

Funding and next steps: The board considered several spending options and initially debated a $200,000 allocation before adopting a last-minute amendment to reduce the district’s contribution to $150,000. The board chair said the district will present the agreed figure to the town council at the council’s next meeting and asked facilities staff to obtain an updated quote for the long jump and high jump areas (estimated by staff to be much smaller than the main resurfacing cost). Staff will also request a more detailed warranty statement from the vendor and continue procurement discussions with the town.

Vote and process notes: After motion and amendment, the board recorded the motion to allocate $150,000 and the motion passed. Board members who pressed for a smaller allocation cited ongoing special education costs and other uncertainties in the district budget; others argued the track is long overdue and urged doing enough to secure town support. The board directed facilities staff to obtain any missing quotes and to coordinate with the mayor’s office and town finance on the remainder of the funding.

Taper: Facilities staff said they will return with additional written cost detail, vendor warranty language and the supplemental quote for jumping pits; the town council will consider the proposal at its next meeting.","After discussing costs, security concerns and timing, the Cromwell School District board voted to allot $150,000 from unexpended funds toward replacing the high school track surface and related work; the board directed staff to pursue additional quotes for jumping pits and coordinate with town leaders on the remainder of funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cromwell schools report gains on state assessments; board hears detailed academic data

Board approves CABE self-evaluation; consultant offered free administration and follow-up

Board moves $575,379 to unexpended account to close fiscal year surplus

Cromwell board pledges $150,000 toward high school track resurfacing after months-long discussion