📚 What’s Happening in Our Schools: Highlights from the Latest Board of Education Meeting

Accountability, Communication, and Change: Why Strong Leadership Matters on Our Board of Education

Our most recent Board of Education meeting covered a wide range of issues — from financial oversight and student support to bullying prevention and future planning — and while there’s important work being done, it’s also clear that there’s plenty of room for improvement. As a parent and community member who cares deeply about the success of our schools, these are the very reasons I’m running for a seat on the Board this November.

One recurring theme I caught throughout the evening was a lack of clear communication and proactive planning. Whether it was the unresolved confusion around YMCA program rates, confusion around how our non-lapsing account went from over $150,000 to just over $30,000 when managed by our town, or ongoing billing issues with Eastconn that left the district paying double for unpaid school meals, too often, we’re reacting to problems instead of anticipating them. This reactive approach not only strains our budget but also erodes public trust — and that’s something we must address.

Bullying prevention and restorative practices were another major focus. While the district is working to create a culture that prioritizes understanding and accountability over punishment alone, many parents still feel left out of the loop. As it stands, families of students who are bullied often don’t receive clear information about how cases are handled or what steps are taken — a gap that must be closed if we want to build trust and ensure every child feels safe at school.

Finally, several governance and fiscal issues raised deeper questions about how our board operates. Policy updates on discipline, conduct, and social media remain works in progress. Discussions about unpaid meal bills, enrichment programming, and the use of “rainy day” funds revealed frustrations with how funds are managed and how decisions are communicated. When combined, these concerns underscore the need for stronger oversight, clearer communication, and a more forward-thinking approach to planning for our district’s future.

My Vision for Moving Our Schools Forward

If I’m elected to the Board of Education this November, my priority will be to bring more accountability, transparency, and proactive leadership to every decision that impacts our students, staff, and families. Our district has tremendous potential, but realizing that potential requires a shift from “reacting” to problems after they happen to anticipating challenges and planning ahead.

1. Improve Communication and Build Trust. Families deserve timely, accurate, and transparent information — whether it’s about bullying incidents, behavioral policies, or budget decisions. I will push for clearer communication protocols, including parent-friendly updates that explain how issues are addressed and what supports are in place. When parents know the process, they’re more likely to trust it — and more willing to partner with our schools.

2. Strengthen Fiscal Oversight and Planning. From unexpected bills to meal debt mismanagement, too much of our budget is consumed by preventable issues. I will advocate for better financial tracking, clearer reporting from outside partners like Eastconn, and a stronger budgeting process that plans for future needs — not just immediate fixes. Our limited resources must be used strategically to support classrooms, not wasted on oversights.

3. Support Students With the Right Resources — Early and Effectively. Whether it’s addressing academic gaps identified in assessments or meeting the needs of students with IEPs, we need solutions that go beyond adding services. I believe in data-driven strategies, early intervention, and consistent follow-up to measure whether support programs are actually working. I will also push for creative partnerships and grant opportunities to offset costs without sacrificing quality.

4. Create a Safer, More Supportive School Culture. Bullying prevention must be more than a talking point. I will ensure families understand the steps our district takes when bullying occurs, push for follow-through on restorative practices, and advocate for regular reporting on progress. A safe, inclusive environment is the foundation for learning — and it requires ongoing attention and accountability.

5. Plan Long-Term for Student Enrichment and Community Engagement. Students deserve more opportunities beyond the classroom. I’ll work to rebuild enrichment programs, explore partnerships with local organizations, and encourage community volunteers to get involved. At the same time, I’ll push to involve parents more meaningfully in district decisions, from program design to policy feedback.

Ultimately, my goal is simple: to make sure every decision we make as a board is guided by what’s best for students — not just what’s easiest for the system. With stronger leadership, clearer communication, and a proactive approach, we can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure that Pomfret schools are a place where every student thrives.

Here’s a summary of what families and community members should know from our. most recent meeting:

🏛️ Policy Updates & Legal Compliance

The board is working to ensure our policies stay aligned with the latest state laws and best practices. Key areas under review include:

• Social media use, student conduct, suspension/expulsion, and school safety policies — all being updated with legal guidance from Shipman & Goodwin.

• Our bylaws (dating back to 2007) were reaffirmed to ensure none are outdated.

• Over the next few months, the board will receive additional policy updates, including those related to special education and library media.

• The non-lapsing fund policy is also under review to ensure financial transparency and compliance.

🌱 School Improvement & Student Wellbeing

A draft School Improvement Plan (SIP) is in progress with a strong focus on bullying prevention and restorative practices:

• The district is shifting toward early intervention to keep students out of special education by providing targeted support sooner.

• Clearer communication with families — including timely follow-ups after incidents — is a top priority.

• A three-year restorative justice plan will include staff training and parent education, with the first sessions planned for October.

• The board also plans to improve incident reporting procedures, especially when substitutes are involved, to ensure consistent communication.

📊 Enrollment, Budget & Financial Oversight

• Enrollment is higher than expected, particularly in kindergarten and high school, making budget forecasting more challenging.

• The board approved transferring $31,939.19 in unspent funds from the 2024–2025 budget into the non-lapsing fund for future needs.

• Non-resident tuition was set at $19,744 annually ($109.69 daily), excluding transportation and special education costs.

• Unpaid lunch balances remain a concern due to billing delays. The board is addressing the issue with improved billing practices and clearer communication with families.

🤝 Community Engagement & Enrichment

The PTO continues to play a vital role in school life, with several successful and upcoming initiatives:

• Recent events, like the Harvest Hustle 5K, drew strong community participation.

• Upcoming fundraisers include Moe’s Taco Night, Lyman Pies sales (Oct. 1–17), a Scholastic Book Fair (Oct. 20–24), and an October Art Club event.

• Efforts are underway to fill the vacant enrichment coordinator position and explore partnerships with local organizations for afterschool programs.

• The board also accepted a $1,600 donation from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation to support visual and performing arts.

🏗️ Facilities & Infrastructure Planning

• A bridge replacement project near the school is scheduled to begin around mid-August, potentially affecting traffic, pickup/drop-off, and emergency evacuation routes. The board will work closely with the town to minimize disruption.

• Planning is underway for a new playscape, with strong PTO and parent support.

• To make meetings more accessible, the October board meeting will start earlier — at 6:00 PM (presentations at 6:30 PM).

• The board is exploring childcare options during meetings to encourage greater parent participation.

📌 Looking Ahead

• A full presentation on the new behavioral program is planned for February.

• Parent education sessions on restorative practices and trauma will begin next month.

• The board is also working on new communications to explain bullying intervention procedures and restorative practices more clearly to families.

✅ Get Involved:

Your voice matters! Attend board meetings, volunteer with the PTO, or join discussions about enrichment programs and policy changes. Together, we can create a supportive, transparent, and thriving environment for all our students.

To learn more about the confusion around the non-lapsing fund, reference the past meeting notes published on our BOE section of our school's website here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17nXAyY3sW8xFlDPdKb0af3McT8Ws4jA5/view