Superintendent's update highlights pre-K expansion, literacy gains and new trades program
Summary
The district reported pre‑K expansion, a 6% improvement in K–5 students meeting literacy benchmarks, an onsite paraeducator mentorship rollout in January, and a new partnership to deliver Building Trades Training Institute instruction at East Haven High School.
During the Dec. 9 Board of Education meeting, district staff summarized progress across the board's four goal areas: culture and climate, academic growth, college and career readiness, and talent/retention.
On culture and climate, the district said it is on track to submit Safe School Climate plans and has expanded belonging measures down to K–2 via staff interviews. Officials reported a current chronic absenteeism rate of about 16% and said administrators are coordinating flu clinics and outreach to families.
Academically, the presenter said the district saw a 6 percent increase in students meeting on‑track literacy goals (K–5) compared with the same time last year, and a 2 percent drop in students needing progress monitoring because they were already on or above grade level. Tuttle Elementary was named a School of Distinction for significant ELA growth on Smarter Balanced assessments.
On college and career readiness, the board heard that the Building Trades Training Institute (BTTI) will provide an on‑site trades instructor at East Haven High School for a third‑marking‑period program. BTTI offered 15 spots; the district scheduled 13 students to participate. Students who complete the program will receive credentials (OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid) and a $200 completion stipend; BTTI also offers up to $500 reimbursement for driver‑education costs (for students who present a permit and complete licensing) and an additional $200 stipend if a student later enrolls in approved apprenticeship programs. BTTI will provide transportation for shop visits.
On talent, the district described two staffing supports: a mentorship program for candidates teaching under DSAP (durational shortage area permits) and an on‑site paraeducator mentor program that will rotate mentors through buildings beginning in January to support onboarding. District staff confirmed mentors will receive stipends for their work.
Board members welcomed the updates and asked clarifying questions about stipend levels, funding sources (grants and title funds were referenced), and next steps for scaling successful programs. No board policy changes were enacted; staff will return with additional detail at mid‑year.
