August 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Meeting

Rationale: 
Moment of Silence
1. Barbara Brackett - Elementary teacher - Patterson, Northeast, Hubbell - 1964 -1994 
2. Karen Vibert - Board of Education Member - 2007-2023 - Secretary 2007 - 2011 and Vice Chair - 2011 - 2013 and 2015 - 2019

Rationale: 
The Board of Education will recognize the Bristol Junior Allstars Team and the Bristol 11U AllStars Team.

Rationale: 
The Board of Education will vote to approve any Regular or Special Meeting Minutes. 

Rationale: 

Finance/ Operations	Policy	School, Family & Community Partnership	School Safety	Student Achievement & Outcomes	Labor Relations (Ad-Hoc)
Eric Carlson, Chair	Jill Fitzsimons-Bula, Chair	Maria Simmons, Chair	Lorianne Osenkowski, Chair	Jill Fitzsimons-Bula, Chair	Eric Carlson, Chair
Russell Anderson	Maria Simmons	Jill Fitzsimons-Bula	Russell Anderson	Kristen Giantonio	Dante Tagariello
Dante Tagariello	Lorianne Osenkowski	Jennifer Van Gorder	Maria Simmons	Maria Simmons	Maria Simmons
Alternates:
Jill Fitzsimons-Bula	Dante Tagariello	Kristen Giantonio	Eric Carlson	Lorianne Osenkowski

Rationale: 
Chair Pons will update the Board and the public on topics related to the Board of Education.

Rationale: 

Superintendent Iris White will report/update the Board on the following topics:

1. Back-to-School Bash - August 20, 2025 - BAIMS - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
2. Convocation - August 25, 2025 - Muzzy Field
3. Superintendent's Priorities and Vision for 25-26 School Year

Rationale: 
Redzic, Azra - BoE - Instruction Supervisor - Effective July 7, 2025
Romann, Jillian - BoE - Instructional Supervisor - Effective August 16, 2025

Rationale:   

Anderson, Christina - MTV - Literacy Coach - Effective June 19, 2025
Autencio, Danielle - EPH - Special Education Teacher - Effective August 22, 2025
McKeown, Alison - BCHS - Family and Consumer Science Teacher - Effective July 23, 2025
Mercier, Matthew - WB - Grade 8 Special Education Teacher - Effective July 31, 2025
Sweeney, Heather - BCHS - Business Teacher - Effective June 19, 2025

Rationale: 
Kaufman, Eric - BEHS - Chemistry Teacher effective August 25, 2025

Rationale: 
Lavoie, Thomas - BEHS - Yearbook Advisor

Rationale:   

Johnson, Lynn - CHMS - MS Curriculum Coordinator
Tedesco, Barbara - EPH - Elementary Science Co-Leader

Rationale: 

Croce, Megan - BEHS - Grade 9 Class Co-Advisor
Masse, Allison - BEHS - Yearbook Advisor
Policarpio, Kayla - BEHS - Grade 9 Class Co-Advisor

Rationale: 

The Bristol Alliance Grant focuses on resources to support the areas of Talent, Climate, Academics, and Operations within BPS. All positions and programs help to increase academic performance and support district climate initiatives.  Grant funding supports students in grades K-3 who are reading below the Bristol reading benchmark (7.3) Instructional Support Teachers). In addition, we fund 13.5 kindergarten teachers, 11 Library Media Specialists, 4  Deans, a .5 Elementary STEM Supervisor, 9 IT Support Specialists and 1 Director of IT and Student Data,  15 Special Education paraeducators, AVID stipends, 10 Social Workers, 2 HS Behavior Intervention Specialists, Summer School administrators and staff, 13.2 TESOL Teachers,  translation services, 1 School Psychologist, 10 School Climate/Security Personnel, 2 CTE Teachers,  3 UCONN Interns, substitute services, consultant services, and portions of salaries in the grants office and all employee benefits associated with positions listed previously. Annually, BPS submits a grant proposal to the SDE aligned to the goals of our district strategic plan and performance indicators, this year's grant award totals $13, 445, 627, which is an $1,383,997 increase from FY 25.

Rationale: 
The Barnes Foundation, Inc. has approved a grant of $20,000 in support of the Storytelling Grant. This grant helps to support the Littlest Listeners storytelling program in kindergarten classrooms across the district. 

Rationale: 

The board welcomes public input and appreciates the diverse perspectives of the community. While the meeting is open to the public, it is fundamentally a meeting of the board. The public comment period allows community members to share their insights with the governing body about the agenda items that the board will be reviewing or deciding on. The board values this input and will consider it when making their decisions. Community members are encouraged to express their views on any topic related to the agenda. To comment on a topic that is not on the agenda, please email your comment via the contact link on the BPS Board of Education Website. Items requiring consideration by the Board must be approved as an agenda item by a 2/3ds vote of the Board members present.  Such items may be referred to for further study and not necessarily acted upon at this meeting.
 
Comments May be Submitted in Writing - Submitted Public Comment must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. 

1. Send your comments to: susaneverett@bristolk12.org
2. Be sure to put PUBLIC COMMENT - BOE in the subject line.
3. Include your name and address.
4. Direct your comments to the Board Chair.
5. Your comments will not be read at the meeting, they will be distributed to all Board members and placed on file.
6. All comments should be written in an appropriate manner, comments regarding personal or confidential student information shall not be discussed under public comment.
7. Any comments not adhering to the guidelines will not be placed on file

Public Comment Rules During a Meeting

1. Everyone is requested to address the Chair for recognition.
2. Each speaker must state his/her name, address and the topic they are commenting on.
3. Comments are limited to items on the agenda.
4. All speakers must observe rules of common etiquette.  Personalities are not to be injected. Speakers should not attack or question the motives of others. Anyone violating this rule will be denied the floor. Unless waived by the Chairperson.
5. Each speaker shall limit his/her remarks to three (3) minutes.
6. A speaker will have one opportunity to speak per meeting.
7. Written statements and materials may be made available, in advance of comments, for distribution to Board members.
8. Speakers shall state their positions on the subject being discussed.
9. Board members will not respond directly to comments during the Board meeting. However, the Superintendent may direct the question to the appropriate staff member for follow-up when appropriate.
10. The chair has the discretion to provide brief factual information. For example, the chair might explain that legal limitations on the board’s authority prevent the board from considering the requested action.
11. Speakers cannot donate their time to other people or speak on behalf of other people.
12. Disruptive behavior, harassment, and violence are not permitted. In cases of disruptive behavior, the chair has the authority to warn the speaker, request them to leave, or, in extreme cases, clear the room.

Rationale: 

Due to unforeseen logistical complications, Bristol Central’s traditional exchange program with our partner high school in France is unable to proceed this year. In order to preserve the cultural and linguistic immersion opportunity for our French students, Ms. Anya Rochester has arranged a last-minute educational tour with Jumpstreet Tours from February 11th to 21st to make use of the February vacation. This alternative itinerary includes Paris, Normandy, and Mont-Saint-Michel—locations rich in historical, cultural, and linguistic significance.

In addition to gaining greater cultural sensitivity, global citizenship, and an international perspective on their studies, students return home feeling more confident and independent—qualities that stay with them throughout their academic, professional and personal lives. 

Rationale: 

Currently, our district operates with two separate early dismissal times—one for weather-related closures and another for parent-teacher conferences. While this practice was originally intended to meet the specific needs of each situation, it has led to ongoing confusion for families, staff, and transportation providers.

The use of two different early dismissal times creates logistical challenges and communication inconsistencies. Many families struggle to keep track of which time applies on a given day, leading to missed pick-ups, childcare issues, and overall frustration. In particular, the earlier dismissal time used for conferences significantly compresses the bus schedule, causing many runs to be delayed by 30 to 45 minutes. This not only disrupts the transportation system, but also causes unnecessary stress for students, staff, and parents.

By consolidating to a single early dismissal time for both weather-related and conference days, we will create a more streamlined, predictable system for all stakeholders. A uniform schedule will enhance communication, improve transportation efficiency, and reduce family confusion. Most importantly, it will ensure that student safety and well-being remain our top priority while maintaining our commitment to operational excellence.

Rationale: 
In order to apply to the state for project/grant funding, the BOE must approve the education specifications. This project was approved on the 25-26 CIP on May 19, 2025. This project will be applied for as a non-priority grant with the State of CT.

Rationale: 
In order to apply to the state for project/grant funding, the city must authorize the preparation of schematic drawings and outline specifications. This project was approved on the 25-26 CIP on May 19, 2025. This project will be applied for as a non-priority grant with the State of CT.

Rationale: 
In order to apply to the state for project/grant funding, the city must establish a building committee for this project. This project was approved on the 25-26 CIP on May 19, 2025. This project will be applied for as a non-priority grant with the State of CT.

Rationale: 

In order to apply to the state for project/grant funding, the city must authorize the Board of Education to apply for the school construction grant. This project was approved on the 25-26 CIP on May 19, 2025. This project will be applied for as a non-priority grant with the State of CT.

Rationale: 
Amy Martino Director of Special Services will update the Board regarding Special Services programs and topics.

Rationale: 
Current AP Psychology textbooks were published in 2010. The College Board revised the AP Psychology course in 2024, and Bristol approved curricular updates in the Spring of 2025. The College Board requires that teachers and students have access to college-level resources including a recently published (within the last 10 years) college-level textbook in print or electronic format. The age of the existing textbooks and updated curriculum necessitate the purchase of updated textbooks.

We are requesting that the second reading be waived to allow time to order the textbooks for the start of the school year. 

Rationale: 
The textbook for our new UCONN ECE course, History of American Popular Music needs to be approved for implementation.  Because it is an ECE aligned course, we must use the recommended textbook for the course; American Popular Music; From Minstrelsy to MP3.

Rationale: 
The Board will discuss any new business proper to come before the Board.

Rationale: 

Commissioners will report to the Board on any groups/organizations in which they serve as Board of Education Liaisons and information pertinent to the Board.

Rationale: 

a. Discussion concerning the Superintendent's Evaluation - Year End Report and Goal Setting

Rationale: 
There being no other business to come before the Board, the meeting should be adjourned.