New London School Board Holds Marathon Meeting

The New London School Board met in regular session on Feb. 20, 2024 with all members present. Also in attendance were Angie Lipper, Jennifer Campbell, Jackie Housman, Bridget Swailes, Joe White, Allison Lair, Kevin and Allison Bergman, Mark Hays, Mike Weigert, Koral Fuson, Ron Miller, and Erin Garvey.

Several were signed up to speak in public forum. The topics ranged from making up snow days to the purchase of a skid loader for the industrial tech program to a full-time SRO (School Resource Officer.)

The people signed up to address the skid loader issue feel that it would not be beneficial at this time. The reasons they cite include: 1) It’s not necessary at this time with the number of students that are currently enrolled in industrial tech. 2) The goal of building and then selling a house by the students is certainly not imminent. 3) They view the purchase of a skid loader at this time to be unwise.

Since the moneys were raised in large part by the sale of sponsorships for the specific purchase of a skid loader, the Industrial tech instructor had permission to spend the money for the skid loader. It has been purchased.

The discussion became contentious when Mr. Weigert would not follow the public forum guidelines. After having the guidelines explained, he was finally asked to leave, which he eventually did, but not before the police were informed. He was gone before an officer arrived.

The next topic was a schedule concerning the make-up of nine snow days. Angie Lipper, the elementary at-risk teacher, addressed the board. She thanked the administration team and the transportation team for all their work keeping everyone safe and informed during this time of dangerous weather. She told the board and administration that she knew they could not make everyone happy with the final plan for the snow make-up days.

Several ideas had been generated through meetings and surveys between staff and administration. The spring break days were kept safe from change, but changing the last day of school would affect many vacation plans. She wanted the Board to be aware of this. She also asked that all staff receive an extra personal day, not just the employees who moved snow. She pointed out that the teachers worked at home on the snow days. Jennifer Campbell asked the board to keep all this in mind as they finalize the make-up plan.

The Board approved the agenda and the consent agenda. They approved four fundraisers and two donations:

Reports were up next. Elementary Principal Palmatier discussed PLC activities that include a math emphasis. He reported that Kindergarten Roundup generated 53 names, which is a really good number. He thanked several PTO members who have worked hard on the approaching STEM Night.

Secondary Principal Kracht reported next. The musical will be March 1 & 2. There will three performances. He told the Board about the Job Fair happening on Tuesday, Feb. 21. A study skills class has been started and parent-teacher conferences will be March 5 & 7.

The Superintendent talked about exploring a 4-day school week. The committee met Jan. 15. They have come up with frequently asked questions and a survey to send out to various groups. The teachers requested a sample calendar built around a 4-day school week and what it might look like.

The Superintendent gave this as an example. Both the elementary and MS/HS would start at 8 a.m. and finish at 3:45 p.m. at both buildings. The students would attend school 151 days and a day consists of 7.25 hours of instruction. Staff would have a longer day also of either 45 minutes to an hour longer.

Allison Lair’s technical writing class is generating the survey. They will also have a public forum for community questions and concerns.

Board member Becky Hays then addressed the board. She stated that she has received several texts and emails from teachers and staff expressing concerns. She has a list of several concerns that will, according to her, upset some people. She has suggested that they take their concerns to the principals and superintendent.

“Some of their concerns when I have directed them to the principals or the superintendent, they don’t feel comfortable or they have been there and nothing has been done or they don’t want their children to face the consequences,” she said. “Their kids might not get to play or that kind of thing.”

She wanted to know when these concerns could be discussed.

Mike McBeth spoke to the situation. He felt that their only action was to emphasize that the chain of command must be followed. To do anything else might disqualify a board member from ruling on an issue brought before the board.

“It’s a complicated ‘it sucks’ process for us as board members to not be able to sit down,” he said. “Does it seem like we’re brushing them off? Probably.”

Jen Loyd agreed and said that they (people with concerns) would have to follow the proper procedures.

The discussion devolved into accusations of nepotism and different treatment depending on who you are and that everyone “in this town is related.” Hays feels the Board is not transparent and she was elected to remedy this. McBeth and Porter explained there are very specific rules when discussing matters, especially personnel matters, and what can be said in open meeting.

At this point in the meeting, former teacher and coach and school board member at NLCSD, Ron Miller cautioned the board that they were “getting bunched up” by all the rules. He also addressed the board about a full-time SRO. He felt the city of New London could use a local police officer for SRO duties at no further cost to the taxpayer. He feels a full-time SRO officer is not necessary.

The Board took the following actions:

The meeting that started at 7:03 p.m. adjourned at 10:36 p.m. The next regular meeting of the New London School Board will be March 18, 2024 at 6 p.m. in the North Campus Boardroom.