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Board reviews multiple grants and contracts including robotics mini-grant, farm-to-school and ParentSquare agreement
Summary
At the Jan. 8 workshop, the board discussed applying for a FIRST Robotics mini-grant (up to $6,000), accepted a $49,887 farm-to-school grant for Wilby High School, reviewed a $49,927.83 remediation contract for adult education, and heard a 5-year, $408,741.20 ParentSquare communication contract.
Board members reviewed several grant and contract items during the Jan. 8 workshop at Walsh School.
Robotics: The academic department requested permission to apply for a Connecticut State Department of Education FIRST Robotics mini-grant (up to $6,000) for existing high school robotics teams; Wilby High School expressed intent to apply. Commissioners asked about tight grant timelines; staff said the board need not vote to submit an application and planned to approve the application at a special meeting if required.
Farm to school: The district asked to accept a Connecticut Department of Agriculture "Grown for Connecticut Kids" grant of $49,887 to enhance Wilby High School's agricultural program with raised beds and hydroponic towers; produce grown will support the culinary program and food services.
Workforce remediation: Staff requested approval of a contract with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board for Capital Workforce Partners remediation services—up to $49,927.83 for remediation and enrollment of up to 18 students from Jan. 12 to June 30, 2026. Commissioners asked about liability if federal/state funds stopped mid-contract; staff said the contract would terminate and not obligate the district to cover ongoing external funding shortfalls.
ParentSquare: The district presented a five-year, $408,741.20 plan to continue ParentSquare as its parent communication platform, noting broad language-support features and high parent connectivity. A commissioner complained about message volume and occasional app logouts; staff said they would follow up with the vendor.
Unified sports and other small grants: The board also reviewed approval to accept a $19,143.25 CIAC grant for a 12-week elementary unified sports program and discussed expanding participation in future years.
The district stressed the availability of grant windows and the need for timely board action or special meetings when deadlines are tight.
