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W. L. Gilbert School Corporation swears in two members, approves policies and evaluation plan, tables proposed walk/run
Summary
At its Jan. 15, 2025 meeting the W. L. Gilbert School Corporation approved two policies and a teacher/administrator evaluation plan, referred an AED enhancement-grant request to the Trust and tabled a proposed April 26 walk/run after questions; two new board members were sworn in and Head of School Greg Shugrue reported enrollment and a NEASC draft citing capital needs.
Chair Holly Cassaday called the W. L. Gilbert School Corporation to order at 6:32 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2025. The board sworn in Joanne Galenski-Girardin and Tara Sundie before taking routine business, approving two policies, and handling enhancement grant requests.
The board approved policy #5131.81 (Electronic Devices) on a motion by Theresa Padin, seconded by Ellen Marino, and approved policy #5141.27 (First Aid/Emergency Medical Care) on a motion by Ellen Marino, seconded by Theresa Padin; both motions passed unanimously. The minutes of the Dec. 18, 2024 meeting were approved on a motion by Jonathan Morhardt, seconded by Theresa Padin; Tara Sundie recorded an abstention.
On enhancement grants, the board moved to forward a request for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the Trust for approval (motion by Theresa Padin, seconded by Ellen Marino) and approved that referral unanimously. A separate request from the Social Work Department for a proposed April 26 suicide-prevention walk/run drew multiple questions from board members; the board tabled the item and asked that the request letter be rewritten.
Head of School Greg Shugrue reported that enrollment stands at 456 and that the monthly average attendance rate was 90.96 percent. He reported December food-service counts of 88 breakfasts and 342 lunches and said the district is short-staffed in food service. Shugrue outlined a STEM initiative for the 2025–26 school year that seeks a certified physics instructor and plans to move physics instruction from a virtual format to real-time instruction through Project Lead The Way (PLTW). He also referenced a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) draft report that, according to the report, recommends capital improvements.
Committee updates were provided: Ellen Marino summarized finance and policy activity and upcoming committee meeting dates; Holly Cassaday reported for Building & Grounds; and Personnel did not meet, with membership adjustments noted. Chair Holly Cassaday said the board is preparing for budget season.
The board voted to move into executive session at 7:35 p.m. for the Head of School mid-year review on a motion by Jonathan Morhardt, seconded by Ellen Marino; the executive session ended at 7:44 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. on a motion by Ellen Marino, seconded by Jonathan Morhardt.
Minutes were submitted by Lauren Jones Dombrowski.
