Board narrows start time for regular meetings to 7 p.m.; location default set to Connecticut IB Academy
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Summary
After discussion about family engagement and community meetings, the board amended Policy 9321 to state regular board of education meetings shall not begin earlier than 7 p.m. and to set the Connecticut IB Academy as the default meeting location unless another school is posted on the agenda. The board approved the revised language at the meeting.
The East Hartford Board of Education amended Policy 9321 on notice of meetings to clarify allowable start times and a default meeting location.
Board members debated language that had proposed a 6 p.m. earliest start time to encourage earlier family attendance. Several members said earlier starts had not produced additional family engagement and noted most members and staff must travel from work. One board member said the practice of taking meetings to schools for —3roadshow—4 engagement would continue but that 7 p.m. remains a practical start time for most.
The final amendment reads that all regular board education meetings shall not begin earlier than 7 p.m. and shall adjourn no later than 9 p.m. unless extended by a two‑thirds vote of the board; it also states regular meetings shall be held at the Connecticut IB Academy unless another school is selected and posted on the agenda. Board members approved the amended language by voice vote; the chair confirmed the motion carried with "Ayes have it." The board directed staff and the superintendent to continue exploring live streaming and other options to facilitate family participation when meetings are held in schools.
