REGION 9 BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING
Wednesday, September 1, 2021 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Join Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83506459688?pwd=U1ZmR2R5OTJsUmxQalNCR05yOUU5UT09
Meeting ID: 835 0645 9688
Passcode: 115061
MINUTES
ATTENDANCE
Board members: Johnston, Graziano, D’Agostino, Denny, Lehberger, O’Brien, Pampel, Williams
Administration: McMorran, Pierson Ugol,
Others: Members of the public
CALL TO ORDER
T. Johnston called the Region 9 Board of Education Special Meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: APPOINTMENT OF JBHS HEAD OF SCHOOL AND CONTRACT FOR JBHS HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mr. Johnston reported that the Regional School District #9 Personnel Search Committee (PSC) recently screened twenty-six applicants and conducted interviews with seven candidates. The Personnel Search Committee selected four candidates to advance to finalist interviews with the Board of Education and advisory stakeholders which included parents, staff, and school and central office administrators. Mr. Johnston was pleased to announce that Dr. Mario Almeida, currently the principal of Rocky Hill High School for the past thirteen years, was selected as the next Assistant Superintendent and Head of School for Joel Barlow High School.
Motion: move that the Region 9 Board of Education appoint Dr. Mario Almeida as Assistant Superintendent and Head of School for Joel Barlow High School commencing on or before October 12, 2021 and authorize the Chair to execute the contract between Dr. Almeida and the Regional 9 School District (D’Agostino, Williams). Passed. Unanimous.
Dr. Almeida thanked the Board for their appointment and for the diligent interview process. He was glad both Rocky Hill and Region 9 Districts were willing to work with him on a start date which accommodated both districts. Dr. Almeida planned to visit Joel Barlow High School during the transition period in order to meet faculty, staff and students.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Julia Pemberton – Redding, welcomed Dr. Almedia to our district.
Thomas Kilbourn 70 Peaceable Street, Redding – Stated he taught at JBHS with founding principal Roy Briggs who believed Joel Barlow should be a teaching high school in the model of Dartmouth University. Mr. Kilbourn urged Dr. McKinnon and Dr. Almeida to read the JBHS mission statement and guiding principles, to focus on education, and to honor the teachers and the students. Mr. Kilbourn wished Dr. Almeida well in his new role.
Sydney Borofsky, Maple Road, Easton – As a current student and Class of 2024 President, welcomed Dr. Almeida.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENT
M. Williams – Welcomed Dr. Almeida to Region 9 and thanked Dr. Almeida for his enthusiasm during the interview process and looked forward to him spreading that enthusiasm throughout the community.
M. D’Agostino – Thanked Dr. Erardi for his services in the search process, the Advisory and Board members on the Personnel Search Committee for their efforts and welcomed Dr. Almeida to Region 9.
M. Pampel – Welcomed Dr. Almeida to Region 9 and appreciated his honesty and caring for the faculty, staff and students during the interview process.
C. Graziano – Welcomed Dr. Almeida to Region 9 and was looking forward to working with Dr. Almeida and Dr. McKinnon. Mrs. Graziano emphasized the rigorous interview process and taking into account the feedback from public surveys and Advisory members into the process.
J. McKinnon – Congratulated Dr. Almeida and was looking forward to rolling up his sleeves and getting to work with Dr. Almeida during both of their transition periods.
T. Johnston – Thanked Dr. Erardi, the Advisory and Board members on the Personnel Search Committee for their efforts and welcomed Dr. Almeida to Region 9.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move that the Region 9 Board of Education Special Meeting to be adjourned. (D’Agostino, Graziano). Unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Submitted by Todd A Johnston
Chairperson, Region 9 Board of Education