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Windham board extends superintendents contract, approves budget moves and several policy changes
Summary
At its June 17 meeting in Willimantic the Windham Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Iris Gomeros annual evaluation and a one-year contract extension, authorized a $287,382 DRIP grant submission and $251,937.38 in budget transfers, and voted to repeal or revise several policies.
The Windham (Willimantic) Board of Education on June 17 approved Superintendent Dr. Iris Gomeros annual evaluation and voted to extend her contract by one year, while also approving several fiscal and policy actions intended to prepare the district for the next budget cycle.
Board Chair Lynne Ide opened the meeting by reporting that both the Board of Education and the town budget referendums failed the previous night (the Board budget lost by 18 votes and the town by 45), but said the district is positioned to continue operating because it expects to receive $3.7 million in additional state funding. "The $3.7 million will put us in good stead and the town cannot tell us how to spend that money," Ide said.
The vote on the superintendents annual evaluation was moved by Mark Doyle, seconded by Dr. Catina Caban-Owen, and passed with nine aye votes. The board then approved contract adjustments, including a one-year extension to Dr. Gomeros contract, by unanimous vote after clarifying an item related to tuition reimbursement placement in the drafted contract.
Why it matters: the actions come as the district faces a temporary local funding shortfall following the failed referendums. Board members said the state funds provide breathing room, but they also approved budget transfers and a grant request to address near-term needs and capital projects.
Among the fiscal and governance actions the board approved: - DRIP grant: The board authorized submission of a District Repair and Improvement Project (DRIP) grant request for $287,382. - Budget transfers: The board approved transfers totaling $251,937.38; the district reported a year-to-date balance of $482,818.74. - Town Financial Committee letter: The board voted to send an amended letter to the Town Council requesting formation of a voluntary Town Financial Committee with representatives from the Board of Education, Board of Finance and Town Council to improve coordination and transparency.
On policy matters, the board voted to repeal policy 2300.1 (Standards for Leaders) and policy 6176 (Career and Vocational Education); repeal of 2300.1 passed unanimously, and repeal of 6176 passed with an 8-0 vote and one abstention (Mia Mitoma). The board also approved revisions to policy 5111.1 (Foreign Exchange Students) following attorney-recommended edits.
Superintendent Dr. Iris Gomero, speaking of her first year in Windham, said the communitys support has been essential: "It has truly been an amazing year," she told the board, thanking her leadership team and staff for their work.
Procedural note: board members asked that the evaluation letter and the signed contract be posted publicly once finalized. The board also clarified that the request to the Town Council would be sent as a letter rather than an "official notice."
The board adjourned at 8:49 p.m.; its next regular meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2026.
