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Sharon Board unanimously approves three policies, accepts tuition students and hears reading program presentation
Summary
At a Jan. 13, 2025 hybrid meeting, the Sharon Board of Education unanimously approved its consent agenda and three district policies on second reading, accepted two tuition students effective Feb. 1, 2025, and heard a presentation on a new Universal Benchmark reading program while discussing the draft budget and capital projects.
The Sharon Board of Education met in hybrid session on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, and unanimously approved its consent agenda and three policies on second reading. The board also voted to accept two tuition students who are to begin attending Sharon Center School on Feb. 1, 2025, and heard a presentation about a new Universal Benchmark reading program.
The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. Board member Anne Vance moved to accept the consent agenda; Nancy Hegy Martin seconded and the motion carried unanimously. When asked by Board member Philip O’Reilly whether there were any surprises in the consent materials, Principal Carol Tomkalski said there were none. Reading interventionist Heather Mathews presented information about a new Universal Benchmark reading program being introduced in the district.
The board reviewed a written request from Keith and Sarah Sartorini asking that their children be allowed to attend Sharon Center School as tuition students beginning Feb. 1, 2025. The board approved the request and voted to send a prorated invoice for tuition. Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley later read a letter related to a prior tuition waiver request and said no further action would be taken on that earlier matter.
On policy business, Brady-Shanley summarized three policies on second reading: Policy 3542.43 (Food Service Charging Policy), Policy 5131.81 (Cellular Phone/Electronic Communication Devices) and Policy 6148 (FAFSA Completion Program). Nancy Hegy Martin moved to accept all three policies; Anne Vance seconded and the motions carried unanimously.
The board discussed establishing a school credit card policy and requested that staff draft a formal policy for future consideration. Members also reviewed the first draft of the upcoming budget and suggested changing a column label from “estimated” to “encumbered” to better reflect obligations. During review of the five-year capital building project plan, members discussed cabinetry and countertop replacements; Principal Tomkalski and Facility Manager John DiMarco will perform a walk-through to identify and prioritize rooms. The board noted that the 2015 site report should be reviewed to determine whether asbestos is present in acoustic wall panels in the gym.
During public comment, Carol Flaton asked that the district compare its spending to Cornwall; Philip O’Reilly asked that the request be submitted in writing so the Board of Education can understand what the Board of Finance is asking for. The board agreed to set dates for building walkthroughs and to circulate a Doodle Poll to schedule members’ availability.
The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. after a motion from Nancy Hegy Martin, seconded by Philip O’Reilly, which carried unanimously.
