Sally E. Bahner Photo
At the May Board of Education meeting, Schools Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez (pictured) presented his Annual Report, which had “Continuous Growth” as its theme, despite declining enrollment. The report is an overall look at the status of the school district.
Statistically, Hernandez reported that there are 2,976 students, down from 3,300 seven years ago. The number includes 1,124 elementary students, 51 at Indian Neck Resource Center, 872 at Walsh Intermediate School and 929 at Branford High School.
Regarding the $88.2 million Walsh renovation project, Hernandez said that the Design Development Documents have been delivered to him, adding that the project is “on track… that ship has sailed.” He made no reference to the possible effect of the state budget crisis on anticipated funding for the school.
Walsh enrollment has continued to decline from 989 students in 2011 to 872 in 2017.
In general, the district’s enrollment has been on a steady decline since June 2009 when there were 3,506 students enrolled in the town’s public schools. The enrollment was 3,495 in June 2010; 3,438 in June 2011; 3,275 in June 2012; 3,271 in June 2013, 3,108 in October 2014. As the 2016 academic year began, the overall population fell to 2,994 students.
According to Hernandez’s report, the district is also financially responsible for 135 students, which includes 95 Branford students attending schools outside the district through the Open Choice program, and 40, who attend specialized schools.
A Portrait of the District
In addition, he said the increased diversity among the students requires more resources and are “stressors” on the district.
The number of students receiving free or reduced rate lunches rose from 20 percent seven years ago to 26 percent now. Special education students total 15 percent of the population in 11 different categories. There is also an increased mobility within the district, with 11 percent of the population (300) entering or leaving at any given time.
Hernandez also mentioned the School Climate Survey, which ranked various aspects of school life, security, and culture by students, parents, and staff. He noted that younger students appear to have a better sense of security than seventh to twelfth graders, but in general the numbers were low, indicating a good sense of security.
Sally E. Bahner Photo
During the discussion, board member Kate Marsland challenged those numbers. “To characterize it as good is not necessarily accurate, given… students’ perception of physical safety, respect for diversity, and social and emotional security, especially in the upper grades. I’m grateful that we’re making that a priority.”
Marsland also requested a breakdown by grade of students attending Open Choice/magnet schools outside the district.
The school district has been grappling with several bullying complaints over the past year.
In terms of district discipline involving suspensions and expulsions, Hernandez said the numbers are down to 259 through May 1, 2017, from 371 in 2012 – 2013, and a high of 486 in 2013 – 2014. “The state has made it more difficult to expel students,” he said. Branford has “Restorative Practices,” which include mentoring and peer mediation.
Attendance is a bit higher than 95 percent. “We want to do better,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said that the school budget sent to the town was reduced by only $23,000, “in collaboration with the town.”
In terms of technology, he said that students are now working with iPads and Chromebooks. “We’re moving away from labs to one on one devices.” He also showed a video clip that depicted students working together in small groups, noting, “We’re moving away from rows of desks.”
Concluding his presentation, Hernandez said, “We don’t shy away from our challenges. We attempt to address them.”
Sections discussed in the report include: Who We Are, the Status of the School District, Climate Survey Data, the Strategic Success Plan, the Shift in Districts, Operations, and Smarter Balance Assessment Selective Data.
Student Recognition
Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) awards given to four Branford students based on recognition from teachers and administrators – two from Walsh, two from BHS.
Walsh student Alina Catania volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, the Community Dining Room, Camp Totokett and is a member of the Peer Leadership Group, while Jyann Calderwood is a member of the Junior Honor Society and participates in the Unified Sports Program, Jazz Band, soccer, and skiing.
Branford High School students Andrew Salerno and Therese Ziaks. Salerno took part in the Model Congress, where he advocated for environmental science, and he is involved in the theater, music, and sailing programs; he is also social chair of his class. Ziaks is a member of the National Honor Society and plans on majoring in biology with the goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist; she has participated in the spring musicals, is a member of the Interact and Leo Clubs, and volunteers at the Killiams Point summer camp and with the Angel Ride fundraiser for cancer research.
Sally E. Bahner Photo
Participants in “Titanic” and James and the “Giant Peach” were recognized by the board, including retiring BHS music director Cathyann Roding and co-director Toni Cartisano.
Sally E. Bahner Photo
Roding then led the cast of Titantic in an a cappella performance from the musical.
Sally E. Bahner Photo
The board also honored Walsh music director Jeff Rizzo and the cast of James and the Giant Peach.
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So we are down about 15% in enrollment and the budget continues to creep up a couple % every year. Will there ever be a correlation of the money spent to the number of students? Or does the BOE just keep getting an open checkbook? And wait until the WIS issues and costs start popping up. And anyone who believes the safety and bullying issues are being addressed in any sort or aggressive victim first approach is not talking to people actually in the schools. The drug and drinking issues are bigger than anyone will admit. If your BHS kid is in the top 5-10% he/she is propped up and praised and watched with blinders on. And the bottom 5-10% are treated like projects. And to be honest those 2 groups would be right where they are no matter who the teachers or superintendent are. If you are in the middle group, good luck.