The New Milford Board of Education convened on August 10, 2021, to discuss various agenda items, including updates on policies, professional development, and community engagement.
The meeting commenced with a review of the recently approved policy 016801, which pertains to live streaming video recordings of board meetings. It was confirmed that recordings of the June, July, and the current meeting would be made public on the district's YouTube channel, enhancing transparency and accessibility for community members.
Board members expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts to engage the public, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open communication and support for the district's operations. One member highlighted the board's commitment to improving meeting accessibility, noting that all meetings have been conducted virtually since the pandemic began, with live streaming now in place.
In new business, the board discussed preparations for the upcoming school year, including significant professional development initiatives for both new and existing staff. Dr. Perot is set to lead a Special Education summit for principals, while Dr. Kismalis has organized a two-day Administrative Leadership Academy aimed at fostering leadership skills among the administrative team.
The meeting also included a public comment segment, where a question from a community member regarding a letter dated June 22, 2021, was addressed. The board confirmed that while virtual comments would not be accepted during meetings, questions could be submitted beforehand for response during the session.
Overall, the meeting underscored the board's dedication to enhancing educational leadership and community involvement as the new school year approaches. The board plans to continue fostering an environment of transparency and support for both staff and the community.