NEW MILFORD, CT — New Milford school officials are recommending a comprehensive plan for upgrading the high school theater rather than awarding three separate contracts for lighting, video monitoring and audiovisual equipment.
Finance Director Anthony Giovannone presented the recommendation during the Board of Education Operations Subcommittee's Oct. 13 meeting, following walkthroughs associated with three requests for proposals.
Giovannone said the district determined that a coordinated master plan was needed before proceeding with the individual projects.
He recommended using existing project funds to hire a theater consultant to develop the plan.
The projects under review involve stage lighting and rigging, a theater confidence video monitoring system, and audiovisual streaming and recording equipment.
Giovannone said the district intends to seek quotes from specialized consulting firms rather than issue another formal request for proposals because the consulting cost is expected to be less than $14,999.
Superintendent Janet Parlato supported the recommendation.
During a review of the district's financial reports, Giovannone confirmed that the school system is no longer collecting parking fees.
He said the change is expected to leave the parking revenue account approximately $20,000 short of its budgeted amount.
The shortfall is expected to be offset by underspending in other areas of the budget during the fiscal year, he said.
Giovannone also reported that payroll commitments have been processed and reflected in the budget, except for stipends.
The district's National Marine High School Roof Reimbursement deposit totaled $105,872 more than expected, according to the minutes. The district contributed 19 percent of the project cost, while the town contributed the remaining 81 percent
Giovannone said the additional reimbursement would be divided between the town and school district using those percentages.
He also estimated that the district's capital reserve would total approximately $1.2 million after all deposits are completed.
Responding to a question from committee member Tom O'Brien, Giovannone said the district uses the town's contracted fuel prices for oil and gasoline.
The subcommittee unanimously voted to forward its monthly financial reports to the full Board of Education for discussion and possible action.
O'Brien made the motion, which Brian McCauley seconded.
Human Resources Director Linda Demeyer outlined efforts to improve hiring procedures, staff training and employee data management.
Demeyer said the department is working to establish standardized hiring workflows and a position control system while reviewing mandatory training requirements to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary duplication.
The district has also revised teacher orientation and expanded its staff spotlight initiative.
Demeyer said the department is developing data dashboards to monitor employee time cards and absences.
Parlato said the effort parallels work on student information systems, with the goal of giving administrators more timely access to data.
In her October employment report, Demeyer reported seven new appointments, including five special education paraeducators.
She said the district continues to work with contractor services to fill remaining vacancies.
Parlato also said the district would examine paraeducator departures, while Demeyer confirmed that a salary analysis was underway.
Parlato reported that October serves as the district's official enrollment reporting period for the school year.
She said enrollment figures showed no significant changes from the previous report or from year-over-year totals.
The minutes did not include specific enrollment numbers.
The meeting was held at the Sarah Noble Intermediate School Library Media Center, 25 Sunny Valley Road, and adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
All recorded motions passed unanimously
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