Board hears year-round schooling update as state earmarks $2 million to sustain program

The New London Board of Education received an update May 13 on the district’s year‑round schooling program, including instructional highlights, implementation planning and identified challenges.

Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Ritchie, joined by Ms. Sherman-Watson and Nathan Hale K/1 year-round teacher Leeanne Morgan, presented photos of student activities and an overview of the program’s opportunity, core challenges to be addressed, a fundamental change idea, the design and implementation process, and the program’s anticipated impact on students. The presentation materials are available in full upon request.

During her chair report, President Elaine Maynard-Adams thanked state legislators (Senator Marx, Representative Nolan and Representative Conley) for securing a state-earmarked $2 million bill to allow the district to continue programming at B.P. for another year. Maynard-Adams said the additional year of funding gives the district time to pursue grants and alternate funding sources to sustain the program.

In related business, district staff and trustees addressed questions about COVID-era federal ESSER funds. Rob Funk explained ESSER funding is administered through CSDE and described permissible uses—principally targeting student mental health supports and efforts to address learning loss—and emphasized these categorical funds differ from municipal ARPA funds. The board accepted the Business and Finance report by vote.

Board Secretary Bryan Doughty later reported that legislators had secured $1.5 million to close out the Science & Technology Magnet School building project, removing a prior state obligation for the district.

The board did not record public comments on the program at this meeting. The presentation and accompanying materials remain available through the Superintendent’s office on request.