Board accepts $33,700 donation to fund embedded math coaching at JMMS

The East Haven School District Board of Education approved a $33,700 donation from the Neil and Roberta Speranto Family Foundation to fund embedded instructional coaching in mathematics at JMMS (Jefferson/Middle — referred to in meeting as JMMS). The donation will pay for consultant Lori Speranzo to work directly with middle school math teachers in classroom‑embedded professional development and whole‑staff sessions beginning January 6, including pre‑ and post‑work and the creation of an observation tool for sustained classroom implementation.

Principal Doyen described the donation as funding one day of whole‑staff professional development and in‑classroom push‑in coaching for each math teacher, with the consultant helping teachers shift instruction toward conceptual mathematics and improved classroom discourse. Staff said the work aligns with district tier‑1 instructional priorities and previously scheduled building‑level professional development. Board members asked whether academy and other secondary instructors could participate; staff said the January session would be open to invited participants but that additional classroom push‑in for Academy teachers would likely incur extra cost under the consultant’s per‑day pricing.

Board members moved and approved acceptance of the donation by roll call. The donation will support coaching, development of an observation tool to measure classroom practice changes, and follow‑up visits and supports as described by staff.

Ending: Staff and school leaders said they will finalize scheduling and any invitations to the academy teachers and share implementation details with the board before January.