Senior STEP volunteers credited with thousands of hours in district classrooms

Patty Grossman, the STEP program coordinator, told the New London School District Board that the Senior Tax Exchange Program (STEP) allows district residents aged 62 or older to exchange volunteer hours for property tax relief. Grossman said volunteers must pass background checks and that 66 hours of service yields the maximum stipend of $430; partial months are paid at $6.50 per hour.

Grossman described typical duties—reading with nonreaders, supporting math instruction, assisting in lunchrooms and running health‑day activities—and introduced several volunteers who spoke to their roles. Janice, a volunteer at Reedfield, said she works Mondays and helps with reading, counting money and occasional library duties. Judy, another volunteer, said she has worked across multiple schools since 2008 and values the chance to read with students and assist in health‑day events.

Grossman provided program metrics: 25 active workers in 2024 logged 2,015 total hours (an average of about 80.6 hours per volunteer) and 20 volunteers reached the 66‑hour stipend threshold last year. From January through April of the current year volunteers had logged 849 hours, and Grossman said she aims to grow the program to roughly 40 seniors with about 30 being regularly active.

Board members asked procedural questions about eligibility and stipend rules. Grossman clarified that the $430 cap is tied to the property where a volunteer resides and that couples who live at the same address may combine hours toward that property cap. She said the program’s recruitment has been mostly by word‑of‑mouth but that she plans more active outreach and will supply brochures and materials to the board and staff.

The presentation concluded with board members thanking the volunteers and staff for their service. Grossman requested that board members send questions by email and asked district staff to distribute brochures and follow up on materials she offered to provide.