Board OKs consultant agreement to support commissioner's-network schools

The Waterbury Board of Education approved a memorandum of agreement Dec. 18 with Joseph Begno to provide consultant services supporting the commissioner's network plans for district schools.

Joseph Begno addressed the board and described the consultant role as focused on infrastructure and reporting tied to the commissioner's network, helping principals with implementation and administrative reporting required by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Begno said the role supports principals so they can focus on school improvement work rather than complex reporting.

Board members asked about the duration and use of consultant services. Superintendent Dr. Swartz and other presenters explained that commissioner's-network funding is structured as a multi-year grant for turnaround schools; the transcript states the three schools in Waterbury covered by the program receive roughly $3 million across the grant period (presenters described that amount as "approximately $3,000,000 for the 3 schools"). The presenters said Kennedy is in its fifth and final year of turnaround funding, citing that the money is limited-term.

Board discussion noted that the district previously used a chief turnaround officer role (with salary and benefits near $250,000) and that the consultant arrangement is a lower-cost approach to provide similar support without hiring a full-time, benefits-funded position.

The motion to approve the memorandum of agreement with Joseph Begno was moved, seconded and carried; one abstention was recorded on a related motion later in the meeting but the consultant item proceeded as presented.