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Somers Board approves Algebra I redesign, passes routine minutes and consent items
Summary
The Somers Board of Education on April 27 approved a one-year redesign of SHS Explorations in Algebra I, carried routine minutes and consent items, and received a budget update showing a roughly $225,000 operating balance and planned facility projects funded from excess operating funds.
The Somers Board of Education voted April 27 to approve a redesign of Somers High School’s Explorations in Algebra I course, approved routine meeting minutes and a consent agenda, and heard a monthly budget update and project plans.
The Algebra I modification was approved after the Board discussed that the revised course will be completed in one year rather than two and will emphasize foundational algebra skills and preparation for the SAT. Board Member Gina Olearczyk moved the motion to approve the course modification; Ed DePeau seconded it. The motion carried (Yea: 7, Nay: 0, Absent: 2).
The Board also approved the March 23 and April 2 meeting minutes. The March 23 minutes motion was made by Gina Olearczyk and seconded by Derek Zelek and carried unanimously (Yea: 7, Nay: 0, Absent: 2). Approval of the April 2 special meeting minutes was moved by Derek Zelek, seconded by Anne Kirkpatrick, carried (Yea: 6, Nay: 0, Absent: 2, Abstain: 1).
During the consent-agenda vote, the Board approved warrants for April 13 and April 27, accepted the resignation of Stacie Deveau (SHS special-education teacher) effective at the end of the school year, and granted a leave of absence for Charles Lewis (6th-grade science teacher) through June 26, 2026. The consent agenda motion was made by Ed DePeau, seconded by Shane Manning, and carried (Yea: 7, Nay: 0, Absent: 2).
Why it matters: The Algebra I change shifts a previously staggered sequence into a single-year offering aimed at ensuring students cover algebra essentials before standardized testing and to streamline placement into higher-level math courses. Personnel and warrant approvals keep district business on schedule.
What’s next: The Board listed several policy-first postings for future consideration and will continue to review curriculum and facility projects in committee. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Votes at a glance: - Approve minutes (March 23, 2026): Mover Gina Olearczyk; seconder Derek Zelek. Outcome: Carried (Yea: 7, Nay: 0, Absent: 2). - Approve minutes (April 2, 2026 Special Meeting): Mover Derek Zelek; seconder Anne Kirkpatrick. Outcome: Carried (Yea: 6, Nay: 0, Absent: 2, Abstain: 1 (Gina Olearczyk)). - Approve consent agenda (warrants, resignation, leave): Mover Ed DePeau; seconder Shane Manning. Outcome: Carried (Yea: 7, Nay: 0, Absent: 2). - Approve Explorations in Algebra I course modification: Mover Gina Olearczyk; seconder Ed DePeau. Outcome: Carried (Yea: 7, Nay: 0, Absent: 2). - Adjourn meeting: Mover Shane Manning; seconder Derek Zelek. Outcome: Carried (Yea: 7, Nay: 0, Absent: 2).
