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Coventry Local board approves personnel changes, multiple service contracts and cybersecurity resolution
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Summary
The Coventry Local Board of Education approved certified and classified personnel recommendations, renewed HVAC preventive‑maintenance contracts for three schools, several special‑education and therapy contracts, curriculum adoptions and a cybersecurity resolution under House Bill 96; the board then moved into executive session.
The Coventry Local Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a broad package of superintendent and treasurer recommendations that included personnel actions, multi‑year service contracts, curriculum adoptions and adoption of a cybersecurity resolution tied to state guidance.
At the start of the business items, Superintendent George presented personnel recommendations (items 1–13) covering continuing contracts, one‑year limited contracts and supplemental/extended time assignments for educators and specialists; the board approved those certified personnel items by roll call. The board separately approved the classified personnel items, which included temporary summer hires and the acceptance of a retirement notice from a long‑time classroom assistant, Mrs. Fitzpatrick.
Why it matters: the actions formalize staffing for the 2026–27 school year and authorize contracts that affect facilities, special education services and curriculum materials across the district.
The board approved several contracts recommended by the superintendent:
- A three‑year HVAC preventive‑maintenance agreement with Gardner Systems Service Solutions for Coventry High School ($25,836 annually), Coventry Middle School ($19,908 annually) and Coventry Elementary School ($12,276 annually), effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. The superintendent said the preventive program should reduce costly emergency repairs and provide parts discounts when issues occur.
- An ESY (extended school year) services contract with Summit ESC for Kids First transition opportunity program at $3,000 per student (three students for a total of $9,000), paid from IDEA funds.
- A 2026–27 contract with Wings of Change Therapy for IEP‑related intervention and vocational supports at a total annual cost of $70,040.
- Open placement contracts with KRG Educational Services (LEAP) for students requiring more restrictive settings at a $170 per‑day rate.
- A music therapy contract with Groovy Garfoos LLC for 31 days of service at $7,130 (IDEA funds) and a three‑year Medicaid claims processing agreement (HPC) at $14,000 per year that the superintendent said generates significant reimbursements.
- A three‑year curriculum adoption with McGraw Hill for U.S. and world history ($39,896.40) and a six‑year math adoption ($59,233.33) for Coventry High School for the 2026–27 cycle.
The board also accepted donations — including more than 30 science tables from Woodridge Schools and a $131 contribution from the Coventry American Legion Post to cover student meal account balances — and approved a $57,030 contract with Bedford Reinforced Plastics to replace a concrete pedestrian bridge between the high school and track area. Trustees discussed design details and footing reinforcements for the bridge.
The treasurer presented the March 2026 financial report, a recommendation to place purchase orders over $5,000 on file and a memorandum of agreement with Zutka & Associates to perform fiscal audits for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030; those items were approved by roll call. The board adopted a resolution supporting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework in accordance with House Bill 96.
Before adjourning to executive session for collective‑bargaining negotiations with employees, the board approved a one‑time $5,000 stipend for transportation supervisory support to ensure coverage should the transportation director be unavailable.
Votes at a glance: - Certified personnel items (1–13): approved by roll call (all present voted Yes). - Classified personnel recommendations: approved by roll call (all present voted Yes). - Other business (contracts, donations, curriculum adoptions): motion carried and approved by roll call. - Central office stipend ($5,000 for Mrs. Ratcliffe): approved by roll call. - Treasurer recommendations (financial report, audit engagement): approved by roll call. - Cybersecurity resolution (NIST framework/House Bill 96): approved by roll call. - Motion to enter executive session for collective‑bargaining negotiations: approved by roll call.
The board then went into executive session; the presiding officer said action was expected afterward but no additional public actions were taken before the close of the recorded portion of the meeting.
