Learning, Growing, and Serving: Reflections from My First Month on the Board of Education
- Kathleen Sposato
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Over the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to complete my first two Board of Education meetings, participate in an extensive FOIA training, and attend the full-day CABE New Member Orientation in East Hartford. It has been a whirlwind of information, learning, and discovery—but in the very best way. I’m excited to take everything I’m learning and begin aligning it with the materials we receive at each board meeting and committee meeting. There is a lot to absorb, but I feel energized and ready to do the work.
One of the most important things I’ve learned—and something I want every resident to know—is that all of our board meetings and committee meetings are open to the public. Each one requires public notice, an agenda, and minutes made available for anyone who wishes to stay informed. Honestly, I was originally under the impression that I could only attend the committee meetings I personally serve on. My training made it clear: anyone can attend any of these meetings, and anyone can read the minutes. Transparency isn’t just encouraged—it’s required by law.
It is my personal opinion that we can do a better job streamlining where this information lives so that it is easier for the community to access. That’s something I care deeply about and will continue working toward. I am extremely passionate about transparency and about following the law. I want every resident to feel confident in the process and included in the process. No one should ever feel unwelcome, intimidated, or uncertain about how to participate in their local government. Speaking up about something that matters to you is hard enough—I will never take that courage lightly. In my role on this board, I intend to be a voice for every person in our community.
Even though it has felt overwhelming at times, I’m surprised by how quickly things are beginning to fall into place. I’m building a growing library of references and tapping into a network of people who can help when I have questions. I’m grateful to have found a mentor who is willing to guide me along the way. I’ll admit I was a little surprised by the lack of formal local onboarding for new members, but I hope that is something we can strengthen for future board members.
I also want to encourage our community to stay informed by reading the monthly board packets. I was taken aback by the number of times I was told that these aren’t regularly read, because they contain essential information that directly impacts our students and our town. If you ever don’t know where to find something, please know that you can always come to me. I will happily point you in the right direction.
I also plan to continue sharing updates after meetings. I know not everyone can attend, and currently our meetings are not recorded or offered on Zoom—something I hope we revisit in the future for the sake of accessibility.
I’m passionate about helping our school community be the best it can be in all areas, and I’m equally passionate about ensuring our residents have trust in us and feel informed every step of the way. Transparency is not optional—it’s your right.
A Quick Guide: When Can a Board Enter Executive Session?
Under Connecticut FOIA law, executive session is extremely limited and can only be used for the following specific purposes:
Personnel matters – but only if the employee in question is properly notified and does not request that the discussion be held publicly.
Pending claims or litigation – when discussing strategy or negotiations with legal counsel.
Security matters – relating to school security, infrastructure, or systems.
Real estate negotiations – if public discussion would harm the negotiating position of the town.
Collective bargaining strategy sessions – discussions about union negotiations.
These are the only allowable reasons.
To enter executive session legally, the board must clearly state the specific statutory reason on the record. If the reason isn’t cited, or if the subject doesn’t fall within the law, an executive session cannot take place. Everything would then default to an open, public meeting—because transparency is the foundation of public trust and your right under FOIA.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in this role. This first month has been eye-opening, energizing, and inspiring. I am approaching this work with curiosity, commitment, and a genuine desire to help strengthen the bridge between our schools, our board, and our community. We are at our best when everyone feels informed, welcomed, and included—and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.
If you ever have a question, a concern, or simply want to learn more about our process, please know that my door is always open.
Here’s to learning, growth, and working together for the success of our students and our town.
I am sharing this information as Kathleen Sposato in my personal capacity. I am not speaking on behalf of the Pomfret Board of Education, nor am I acting as its official spokesperson. The views, summaries, and opinions expressed here are my own and do not represent the positions, statements, or policies of the Board of Education or its members.
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