Sterling School Board approves budget reports, line-item transfers and new evaluation plans; recognizes outgoing business manager

The Sterling School District Board of Education on Aug. 21 approved its Budget and Expense Report and finalized line-item transfers to reconcile Fiscal Year 2024, accepted several routine reports on the consent agenda and approved new evaluation plans for leaders and educators.

Board Chair Courtney Langlois opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and read the roll before the business session began. Former Business Manager Courtney Brannon presented the Budget and Expense Report for June 2024 and July 2025 and reviewed Fiscal Year 2023–2024, the Fiscal Year 2024–2025 budget and grant activity. John Brady moved to accept the report; Dottie Capobianco seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Brannon also presented line-item transfers made to reconcile and close FY2024. Vice Treasurer Victoria Robinson-Lewis moved to approve the transfers; John Brady seconded. The Board voted unanimously to adopt the transfers, which the minutes record as necessary steps to finalize the prior fiscal year’s accounts.

The Board approved a consent agenda that included the June 26, 2024 minutes, the Superintendent’s report, the Principal’s report, the Special Education Director’s report, the Clinical Supervisor’s report and the monthly check register. John Brady moved to accept the consent agenda; Dottie Capobianco seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Under new business the Board voted to adopt the Connecticut Leader and Educator Evaluation and Support Plans 2024 as presented. Dottie Capobianco moved approval and Catherine Malo seconded; the motion passed with all members recorded in favor. The Board also held a first reading of regulation R4112.5/4212.5 (Certified/Non‑Certified security check/fingerprinting/Criminal Justice Information), which accompanies a previously approved fingerprinting policy. Christine Chandler, Board Clerk, was asked to replace a named employee reference with the phrase “Superintendent and/or designee.” After that change was noted, Dottie Capobianco moved to approve the regulation as presented with the amendment; Victoria Robinson‑Lewis seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The Board used the agenda’s personnel section to note a slate of hires, resignations and one retirement reported by Superintendent Theodore Friend. The minutes list Sara Howley as Business Manager (new hire), Angela Stone (kindergarten), Melissa McKeon (occupational therapy), Jill Caruso (special education), Corrine Lewis (special education) and Patricia Hawkins (special education) among recent hires; resignations included Carrie Graham (special education) and Garreck Seales (7/8 social studies). The minutes also record the retirement of Sharon Perry, a PreK instructional assistant.

Before moving on to other business, the Board recognized Courtney Brannon on what the minutes describe as her last meeting, thanked her for three years in the Business office, presented a gift and wished her well in her new position.

The Board received routine committee updates (policy, budget, negotiations) and a report from Chair Langlois on items observed at a Plainfield Board of Education meeting, including new hires, a Student Affairs Liaison position and a push on attendance. No public comments were recorded at either public comment period.

Votes at a glance • Motion to move budget items on the agenda — mover: Victoria Robinson‑Lewis; second: John Brady; outcome: approved (minutes record “all in favor”). • Accept Budget and Expense Report — mover: John Brady; second: Dottie Capobianco; outcome: approved (all in favor). • Approve line‑item transfers to finalize FY2024 — mover: Victoria Robinson‑Lewis; second: John Brady; outcome: approved (all in favor). • Accept Consent Agenda (minutes, reports, check register) — mover: John Brady; second: Dottie Capobianco; outcome: approved (all in favor). • Approve Connecticut Leader and Educator Evaluation and Support Plans 2024 — mover: Dottie Capobianco; second: Catherine Malo; outcome: approved (all in favor). • Approve regulation R4112.5/4212.5 with editorial change — mover: Dottie Capobianco; second: Victoria Robinson‑Lewis; outcome: approved (all in favor).

Next steps and context: The Board recorded that teacher negotiations are scheduled to begin (per a reminders letter received by the negotiations committee). The minutes record an executive session later in the evening to discuss the Transportation Director contract; no open‑session action on that contract was reported.