Superintendent Carrie Smith told the Regional School District 15 board that October 1 enrollment — the state'snapshot used for budget calculations — is at the trough of a long decline and is projected to flatten with slight growth over 10 years. The district reported roughly 20 paraeducator openings, one unfilled high-school math position, and uncertainty about how a potential universal pre-K would affect capacity.
Regional School District 15 approved a transfer entry of $1,368,970 to fund a roof replacement at Longmeadow Elementary School. Finance reported issuance of a final repair bond after a competitive process and discussed forthcoming bond scenarios and school construction tours ahead of a March presentation.
Dr. Chiappa told the board that Region 15'level results exceed state averages overall, but special-education and high-needs subgroups have high shares at Level 1 on state tests. The district showed a six-minute EduClimber demonstration and reported a rapid rollout of a data warehouse to target interventions and monitor cohorts.
Techcom Architects presented conceptual site plans and costs for two proposed elementary schools in Regional School District 15, detailing sanitary connections, topography constraints, environmental testing and a multi‑year grant timeline. Board members pressed for updated cost comparisons and clearer public materials.
After extended debate about site options and information needs, the Region 15 Board of Education voted to table a motion narrowing focus on two district sites until January; it did approve moving ahead with Longmeadow Elementary roofing work, grant application steps, and creation of a building committee.
Superintendent Joe Mercato presented a five‑year capital plan that prioritizes safety, HVAC and science‑lab upgrades and explores bundling projects into a school‑construction bond; board members asked for firm cost estimates and legal advice before adding a proposed second turf field to a referendum.
At its Nov. 24 meeting the board approved transferring $405,359 to an educational expense account, adopted Connecticut model school climate policy 5131.911, and extended the school bus transportation contract through June 30, 2029; roll‑call votes were taken on each item.
At its Nov. 24 meeting, the Regional School District 15 board approved a $405,359 transfer to the educational expense account, adopted state model policy 5131.911 (school climate), and extended the district's school‑bus contract through June 30, 2029; roll‑call votes were recorded for each action.
The Regional School District 15 board reviewed a draft five‑year capital plan, discussed using a construction bond to fund new school construction and upgrades (including science labs and a possible second high‑school turf field), and directed staff to pursue detailed cost estimates and bond‑timing options.
Board members discussed site-by-site feasibility for replacing two aging elementary schools, including IBM, Pierce Hollow, Volpe Brosnan and Roxbury Road parcels, infrastructure constraints (septic, access roads), and a 15% state reimbursement that creates urgency for moving to design and possible referendum.
