Board adopts ad hoc committee SMART goals to cut chronic absenteeism and add reading interventionists

The New London School District board voted to adopt recommendations from an ad hoc committee that set SMART goals aimed at improving attendance and early literacy.

The proposal, presented by the committee and supported in discussion by multiple board members, asks the district to reduce chronic absenteeism and tardiness in grades 1–4 by 25% over two years and to hire two full‑time reading interventionists—one to serve K–4 across the four elementary schools and one to serve students in grades 5–8. Committee presenters said the plan is data-driven and timebound: the elementary objective is to reduce students scoring below the 25th percentile on ACT 20 screeners from 41.6% to 30% by the end of the 2025–26 school year and to 25% by 2026–27.

Why it matters: Committee members argued that early attendance and reading skills are foundational to long‑term academic success. "Reading is the most precious gift we can bestow upon our youth," one committee presenter said, urging the board to prioritize intensive, small‑group instruction. The board framed the effort as both an instructional and community initiative: recommendations include increased family outreach, an attendance‑awareness proclamation, quarterly reporting to the board, and targeted truancy follow‑up in partnership with local law enforcement as a last resort.

The board debated timeline and capacity. Members asked whether the district can recruit qualified interventionists before semester start and whether the goals should be adjusted if hires are delayed. Committee members responded that timelines would be flexible: if hires arrive midyear, the metrics would roll forward accordingly. The committee also discussed interim stop‑gap options—such as expanding volunteer tutoring—to begin work immediately if certified hires are not available.

Cost and staffing considerations: Presentations acknowledged the budget impact of adding two full‑time positions but framed the hires as investments likely to reduce later remediation costs. A district presenter described typical salary expectations for certified reading specialists and said the administration would "find a way" to fund the positions if the board approved posting them.

Board action and next steps: After discussion, the board moved to adopt the two SMART goals and begin implementation, instructing administration to post the positions and to return with hiring and scheduling details. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote.