Report by Paula Antolini, January 28, 2022, 9:13PM EDT
Message from Dr. Christine Carver, Superintendent of Bethel Public Schools:
“As with the state and national data, we are seeing a sharp drop in the number of cases of students
and staff that are testing positive for COVID-19. The Department of Health is also seeing a sharp drop
in hospitalizations and we are encouraged by the increasing number of treatments for those who
individuals who contract more serious cases. The State of Connecticut has asked districts to
communicate that vaccination rates, particularly with the Omicron variant, directly reduced the
impact of serious illness when we had rising cases. They also asked us to remind our families that
they maintain a website to support interested parties in scheduling your child for a vaccine. I receive
weekly vaccination rates for Bethel. Current rates for school aged children in Bethel are as follows:
“Our school staff vaccination rates are over 95%. Experts are increasingly hopeful that we should begin
to see a transition from pandemic to endemic.
“In addition, I also want to remind you that current executive orders that govern the health emergency
are set to expire on February 15, 2022. The orders that directly impact schools include universal
masking and weekly testing requirements of unvaccinated staff. It is unclear about the status of the
orders continuing. One of three things will likely happen: (1) the orders could be extended with a vote
from the Connecticut General Assembly, (2) the legislature could codify parts of the orders into legislation, or (3) the orders could simply expire. Many of the orders invoke strong emotions on either side of the spectrum. If you would like to express views regarding any or all of the Executive Orders, I would encourage you to email your legislative delegation and/or the Office of the Governor. Any changes will be made in the next couple of weeks. One thing is for certain, we likely will not receive any additional formal communications from the State until we get to February 15th. If we receive any communications or updated information, we will let you know right away.
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SCHOOL RECOMMENDED BUDGET
“On the January 20, 2022 Board of Education meeting I presented a recommended budget to the Board of Education (2022-2023 Superintendent’s Proposed Budget Presentation). The proposed 3.95% increase focuses on only maintaining all of our top quality curricular and extracurricular programs. The budget also addresses our increased enrollment and growing special education needs. The presentation outlines plans to address the impacts and recovery efforts of the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to make progress towards the goals of our Strategic Plan. Development of the 2022-2023 budget reflects our commitment to that purpose of continuing to provide excellence and preparing our students for the global workforce. The full presentation can be viewed on our BEtv Channel. In addition, all budget documents will be housed on our district dashboard, under the section financial dashboard. The Board of Education is currently in budget workshops to make a final recommendation to the Board of Selectman and Board of Finance at the February 10, 2021 meeting.
“The District and Board of Education want to make sure you are informed and have a chance to be involved in the budget process. Below are the mechanisms for public participation.
All Board of Education meetings/workshops are held at the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, 1 School Street, Board of Education Conf. Room E, at 7:00 PM (unless otherwise posted). Mask ARE REQUIRED & Social Distancing must be followed.
“Mark Your Calendars – Save the Dates – Stay Informed on the Education Budget
“Budget Workshop Dates and Anticipated Topics:
▪ Tuesday, February 1, 2022 (Budget Workshop) – Facilities
▪ Thursday, February 3, 2022 (Budget Workshop/Approval)
▪ Tuesday, February 8, 2022 (Budget Workshop – Alt. Date if needed)
▪ Thursday, February 10, 2022 BOE Budget Presentation to Board of Selectmen/Board of Finance Presentation (Tentative)
“As the schedule develops we will post it here, on the website, and other district communications.
“Please Note: Prior to the budget being set for referendum, 2022-2023 Education Budget Information can be found here in the Superintendent’s Bethel Public Schools Newsletter each week and on District Dashboard our website. 2022-2023 Education Budget Information“
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