- Village Elementary
- Village Elementary Homepage
November Board Briefs
Board Briefs are monthly, high-level updates following regularly scheduled meetings of the GISD Board of Trustees.
Look for Board Briefs each month following the regularly scheduled meeting of the board. These updates are designed to help keep you informed on important activities and decisions in the district.
These briefs will be archived on our website so you can access them at any time. A video archive of GISD board meetings is also available on our website.
Board of Trustees Dunham and Blanck Sworn In To Service
The Nov. 3 election results were officially canvassed during Monday night’s meeting. Incumbent Melanie Dunham will continue to hold her Place 5 seat, and new board member Stephanie Blanck will fill Place 4. Both board members were sworn into office by Justice of the Peace Evelyn McLean.
Additionally, the board voted for its officer positions to remain the same. Scott Stribling remains president, with Andy Webb serving as vice president and Melanie Dunham as board secretary.
The seven-member Board of Trustees governs the school district without compensation for a three-year term of office. Elections are conducted annually in May, although this year’s election was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Possible 2021-22 Course Guide Additions Presented
Chief Strategist for Learning Design Terri Conrad presented possible additions to the 2021-22 Course Guide. Those additions include the following:
Middle School Additions
- Math 6/7
High School Additions
- Agricultural Structures Design and Fabrication/Agricultural Laboratory and Field Experience
- CT SYS GO 3/ Engineering Design and Presentation II
- Ethnic Studies: Mexican American Studies
- Ethnic Studies: African American Studies
- College Transition
- Path - College/Career I-IV
- Making Connection 1-4
- Comprehensive Wellness I & II
The addition of these courses would require funding, and enough students would need to sign up for the courses in order for them to “make.” The board will consider taking action on the additions during next month’s meeting.
Board Hears Proposal to Consider the Development of Citizens Advisory Committee
Dr. Brent presented to the board goals, charges and parameters around the possibility of developing a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) in the new year.
The purpose of a CAC is to study existing facilities, enrollment projections, financial information and other data relevant to creating and maintaining learning environments in GISD. If the board were to determine that those needs would be best met through the aid of a bond election, their recommendations would then be presented to the board for consideration in calling for a bond election. Dr. Brent shared a tentative timeline for the work of a CAC, with meetings that could begin as soon as February. The deadline to call for a 2021 bond election is Aug. 16, 2021.
Board Considers Updates to District of Innovation Plan
In 2017, GISD officially became a District of Innovation (DOI) through the work of the District Performance Committee and approval by the board of trustees. The DOI designation allows public school districts to exempt themselves from certain educational laws. GISD is currently exploring updates to its DOI plan, including more affordable health insurance options and a redesign of the principal evaluation tool.
Students Recognized for Citizenship, National Merit Scholarship Program
The board recognized November Jack Frost Citizens of the Month from East View and Georgetown High Schools. Those students are:
East View High School
Haley Williams and Ryden Clayman
Georgetown High School
Hailey Marbibi and Cooper Leonard
Additionally, the board recognized four students from Georgetown High School for their selection through the National Merit Scholarship Program based on their performances on the Preliminary SAT. Those students include:
- Gerald Kurtin, National Merit Semifinalist
- Mary Fluitt, Commended Scholar
- Joseph Valenta, Commended Scholar
- Jordan Turbeville, Commended Scholar
NEXT BOARD MEETING
Monday, Dec. 14
7 p.m. at the Hammerlun Center for Leadership and Learning