REGION 9 BOARD OF EDUCATION
Special Meeting
September 3, 2020 – 5:30 p.m.
Virtually via Zoom
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ATTENDANCE:
Board Members: Johnston, Graziano, Berry, D’Agostino, Denny, O’Brien, Williams, Pampel
Administration: Harrison, Pin, Santangeli
Others: 10 members of the public
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Johnston called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Lisa Baron, Danbeard Lane, Redding spoke about student’s participation in athletics at JBHS as distance learners. She has two that are remote learners and wants them to be eligible to participate in sports. Ms. Baron said that participation in sports is positive, and all students, including distance learners, should be able to play.
Amy Arnold, Burk Drive, Redding spoke about outdoor activities being safer than indoor activities for students. Also she said that virtual learners should be allowed to participate in sports and extracurricular activities the same as in person learners.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENT
Mr. D’Agostino and board members welcomed Dr. Harrison to his first Region 9 BOE meeting.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: JBEA MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
Mr. Johnston spoke about the JBEA agreement that was sent out this afternoon for the board members to review. Ms. Williams said that these are new circumstances for everyone, and she feels the agreement is fair. Mr. D’Agostino expressed concern about approval from the association before it is accepted. He said the negotiating team is working hard to move forward, but it could need further review before the board votes. This may require a meeting prior to school opening on September 8, 2020. The agreement includes policies on video streaming, delivery of instruction and operations in the building as a result of changes due to COVID-19.
Board members concurred that more time is needed to review the agreement. Mr. Johnston said to table the JBEA agreement for tonight, and hold another meeting in the next few days.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN CONSIDERATION FOR ATHLETICS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Dr. Harrison said that the athletic participation situation is fluid and we need to follow DPH guidelines. The eligibility of sports and extracurricular activity participation by students learning remotely is a concern with students and parents. Mr. Santangeli spoke about the modification of sports to decrease health risks and the CIAC plan. He said the CIAC and DPH want to observe the progression of the modifications as students return to school and sports and extracurricular activities. Dr. Harrison stressed the importance of clubs, such as math or debate and how they contribute to social emotional health for students. Ms. Graziano asked about students practicing sports in the building. Mr. Santangeli said there are rules limiting students to ten at a time, for one hour. Mr. D’Agostino proposed a motion regarding remote learners’ participation in sports and extracurricular activities. Dr. Pin said CIAC rules state that home school students are not eligible to participate in school athletics and activities. Mr. Santangeli said there will not be spectators allowed at sports games but there will be live video streaming provided. Also there are no postseason competitions planned at this time.
Motion: move that the Region 9 Board of Education allow all Joel Barlow High School students enrolled in a district approved method of learning, whether full, hybrid, or distance learning model the opportunity to participate in athletics, clubs, or activities. They can participate in person or remotely, in accordance with district policies and past practices for participation. (D’Agostino, Denny). Approved 7-0. One member abstained.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
BOARD MEMBER COMMENT
Mr. Johnston thanked everyone for helping all students the option to participate in sports and extracurricular activities.
Motion: move that the Region 9 Board of Education Special Meeting be adjourned. (O’Brien, Williams). Approved. Unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT
The Region 9 BOE Special Meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
Recorded by
Deborah DeLorenzo
Submitted by
Juliette Berry, Region 9 Board of Education Secretary