Board approves hiring of Stephannie Grant as administrative secretary after disclosure of personal connection

The North Canaan Board of Education on Aug. 11 approved hiring Stephannie Anderson Grant as Administrative Secretary beginning July 28, 2026, at the first-year rate of $28.82 per hour.

The motion to "approve of the hiring of Stephannie Grant as Administrative Secretary beginning July 28, 2026, at the first-year level rate of $28.82 per hour" was moved by Mrs. Crane and seconded; the board recorded a 5–yes vote. Mr. Jacques had recommended the hire to the full board.

Board member Gina Terwilliger asked that her concern be placed on the record, saying she was troubled by Grant's friendship with Principal Beth Johnson and raised questions about the hiring committee and the interview process. Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley responded that the board is required to approve support-staff hires under the board's legal responsibilities and confirmed the district followed the hiring steps described to the board. The minutes show the board discussed applicants, interview processes and union-related matters before returning the motion to "approval" language and recording the unanimous vote.

The board packet included a resignation letter dated July 25, 2026 from Stephannie Anderson Grant indicating an effective resignation from the board on July 28, 2026; the minutes also record Grant as the person hired to the administrative secretary position with the same effective date. The board did not record any abstentions or recusals on the vote.

Next steps in the minutes show Grant's hire to be effective July 28 and the board adjourned at 7:33 p.m.