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West Hartford schools report strong start: staffing gains, IT overhaul, bus safety and higher-than-expected enrollments
Summary
Superintendent Tom Moore and staff reported that the 2017—6 school year opened smoothly, highlighting a district wireless upgrade of more than 900 access points, transportation plans for about 5,357 students, new hires across teaching and pupil services, and higher-than-projected kindergarten enrollment.
Superintendent Tom Moore told the West Hartford Board of Education on Sept. 5 that the 2017—6 school year had a positive start, with staff ready and schools meeting student needs. He congratulated Ashley Callan, Townwide Social Studies Curriculum Specialist and author of "Where I Live in Connecticut," whose book will be distributed in district schools and includes a digital component.
Dr. Gretchen Nelson reviewed the District Development Plan and summer programs, reporting that 438 students participated in summer initiatives including Summer Connections, ESOL, HANOC, Project SPARK and AP Boot Camp. Board members asked about measures for academic goals and how specific summer offerings were promoted.
Dr. Andrew Morrow thanked plant and facilities staff for summer projects (Braeburn floor replacement, Conard siding repairs, stadium turf replacement) and said the district replaced its wireless system with over 900 new access points and controllers to support faster speeds and more device connections. He reported that transportation will expect to move approximately 5,357 students using 93 buses and 228 runs, and that safety harnesses were added for three-year-old preschool riders.
Human Resources director Rick Ledwith summarized recruitment: 46 new contracted teachers, 11 interim teachers and two new administrators; the district plans to send staff to an HBCU recruitment fair to improve staff diversity. Dr. Gretchen Nelson said Pupil Services hired 18 new staff members and two administrators, and that priorities include increasing student achievement and promoting exits from special education where appropriate. Dr. Roszena Haskins reported Continuing Education summer enrollments of roughly 653 high-school students and substantial adult-enrichment participation.
Chip Ward presented preliminary first-day enrollment numbers: elementary enrollment about 4,115 (roughly 65 more kindergarteners than projected), middle schools about 2,278, Conard 1,462 and Hall 1,497, with the district about 150 students over projection overall. The board complimented facilities staff for summer work and discussed security door questions, teacher training, and device lifecycle procedures for Chromebooks and iPads.
The board recorded routine votes to approve prior meeting minutes and adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Dr. Cheryl Greenberg announced upcoming meetings on Sept. 19, Oct. 3 and Oct. 17.
