Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Local topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Scotland Board of Education approves teachers’ contract, adopts 2025–26 calendar and reviews budget concerns
Summary
At its Feb. 4 meeting the Scotland Board of Education approved a teachers’ contract (one abstention), adopted the 2025–26 school calendar and approved the January financial report while hearing updates on post‑flood repairs, enrollment pressures and a $72,000 audit surplus.
Chair Cassidy Martin opened the Scotland Board of Education’s regular meeting on Feb. 4, 2025. The board approved several routine measures and received reports on facilities, enrollment and finance.
The board approved a teachers’ contract (motion #3‑24/25), with Board member Lisa LaBelle making the motion and Kaitlyn Shafer seconding; Board member Brittany Santiago recorded an abstention. The board also adopted the 2025–26 school calendar (motion #4‑24/25), which aligns Scotland’s schedule with Plainfield, Chaplin and Hampton, and approved the January financial report (motion #2‑24/25).
Superintendent Valerie Bruneau updated the board on several operational matters. She said the Afterschool Grant runs through June and noted ongoing post‑flood repairs—new carpet has been installed in administration spaces and foyer sheetrocking and cleanup are complete while lobby tile to the gym remains pending. Bruneau said the district is working with EASTCONN to assess the communication and phone system and determine what should be funded through Capital Improvement. She flagged enrollment pressures that may require merging grades 2 and 3 and said the district is trying to hold the budget to a 0% increase amid uncertainty from insurance renewals; ConnetiCare quoted about a 23% increase this year. Bruneau presented an audit summary showing a $72,000 surplus, with $47,000 proposed for the BOE Non‑Lapsing Account and the remainder returned to the town.
Principal Ann Knowles reported curriculum and student activities: the school celebrated its 100th day, will participate in Global School Play Day, and has two teachers piloting a new math curriculum with a report due in April. Professional development on supporting students with trauma is scheduled, and preparatory work for SBAC testing (starting the last week of April) is underway.
Special Education Director Dawn Davis reported 20 students currently have individualized education programs and noted two recent referrals; staff are continuing to adapt programming for significant needs. Finance Coordinator Michele Demicco told the board the district has spent 54% of its budget to date; Board member Clark Stearns questioned overages in legal services, the new payroll service line, and audit reporting formats.
The board reviewed outreach and engagement plans, agreeing to a Meet & Greet on March 4 at 4:30 p.m., with food and family activities that could be supported by the Afterschool Grant. The board set its next regular meeting for March 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. and adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Minutes were submitted by Recording Clerk Kathleen Scott.
