The past weekend's graduation, graduation requirements required of seniors, the region's stimulus grant award of $381,554, a motion to add the repair lists to the region's website and the still unsigned K-5 facility leases represented the evening's agenda.

Dodging the raindrops during last weekend's graduation ceremony did not dampen Principal Gene Horrigan's enthusiasm and pride for the 2009 graduating class.

Mr. Horrigan shared with the board that he assured students during the ceremony that his speech was covered in plastic and he would have no trouble finishing even if the sky opened up.

"It is my belief that no students in Connecticut have to work harder to graduate than Shepaug High School seniors. Consider the following graduation requirements that they face," explained Mr. Horrigan.

The state requires a 20-credit requirement, Mr. Horrigan noted. Students at Shepaug are required to complete 28 credits, eight computer competencies, 30 hours of community service and a senior project.

The breakdown of those credits includes: Humanities, 9 credits, Math/Science, 7, Fine Arts, Career, Technology-3, Gym/Health, 2.5, Senior Project, 1, Electives, 5.5 for a total of 28 credits.

Mr. Horrigan said block scheduling, adopted in 2000, makes it possible for students to achieve the additional requirements.

He recognized the Shepaug teaching staff that teaches six credits instead of the Connecticut standard five credits to achieve this credit goal.

"All of our 89 four-year students have completed their service commitment to date, ranging from 30 to 721 hours, averaging 63.07 hours of service," Mr. Horrigan told the board.

Students served at Relay for Life, Park and Recreation, land trusts, food banks, blood drives, town fairs, nursing homes, church camps, health organizations and more.

"This class decided to take the extra money it raised and place it in the Defensive Driving Fund for next year's seniors. They also donated $1,200 to the student assistance fund, a fund that helps students in need," Mr. Horrigan told the board.

"It was remarkable to see the student achievement on the senior projects. It's important to note that one-third of the seniors (32) initiated projects designed to make the world a better place," Mr. Horrigan said.

During the last week of school Mr. Horrigan had a chance to reflect with seniors on the significance of the senior project requirement.

Students said the project helped them learn how to break through procrastination, learn new valuable skills and get them ready for college.

"Its always a treat to listen and see how proud you are of your students," Education Committee Chair Mardie Ford said.

Board members heard from Director of Finance and Operations Robert Giesen, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Holly Hageman and Director of Pupil Services Joseph Boyle on the $381,554 that has been allocated to the region from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Over the past eight weeks Region 12 administrators have received training for the proper use of the funds.

"The school district is prohibited from supplanting local fiscal effort through the ARRA grant," Mr. Giesen explained. "This means that we cannot use the ARRA funds to pay for things which would typically be a part of the general budget; these funds must supplement the local effort."

As a result of the transparency expectation of the grant and additional audit oversight requirements, the region will add a link to the website.

For the next two years, Mr. Giesen is establishing a link on the region's website so residents may see how and where the grant is being used, audit data and the dates of the grant disbursements.

Dr. Hageman explained the ARRA funds would supplement 15 percent toward hiring a literacy specialist. The region's ADA grants will also supplement this position.

Dr. Hageman spoke about her concern that the district does not have a full-time literacy specialist. Hopes were dashed this year to include this position because of budget issues.

Data continues to show this position is a valuable resource in supporting students and teachers, and is critical for instructional intervention, providing strategies to improve the performance of the struggling reader, technical support and drafting speedy intervention strategies.

Board member Valerie Andersen voiced concern that the position is based on funds that will run out in under two years and could cause a future budget problem.

"The position will be on a year-by-year basis, " Dr. Hageman clarified.

"We're not used to having money available at this time. We have done the required training. I looked at this as an opportunity to spread across the district," Mr. Boyle explained to board members.

"This grant is designed to promote the local and state goals for special education while stimulating the nation's economy. It is an unprecedented opportunity to invest in education for the disabled over the two-year period from 7/1/09 to 6/31/11," explained Mr. Boyle.

The grant will help hire a literacy consultant; purchase adaptive and assistive computer software; purchase new computers to provide greater access for students with disabilities, student assessment tools, supplies; provide pupil services for private school special education students who are placed by parents in schools within the district; renovate the REACH classroom; and hire one part-time special education teacher for preschool.

"At this time we have seen an increase in the number of students with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum," Mr. Boyle noted.

The program is stretched right now and the part-time position will supplement the staffing and allow one teacher to provide supplementary consulting to the elementary program.

The grant will increase pupil services in school psychology, occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy.

The grant will hire a part-time job coach for high school students who require transition assistance from school to adult life.

The subject of the still-unsigned school lease was discussed. Region 12 Superintendent Dr. Bruce Storm will meet with a professional estimator to put prices on the repair lists.

"We will be meeting with the estimator on Tuesday, June 23; this will take some time," Dr. Storm updated the board.

With the June 30 deadline looming from the last extension on the old lease, more questions then answers resulted in the evening discussion on the leases.

Several board members asked that the repair lists be added to the website, so residents can access them anytime.

With questions arising from the three school repair lists, Dr. Storm handed out copies to each member.

After some discussion, Bridgewater board member Edgar Wainwright recommended a motion be made so that the lists be added to the website.

Washington board member Mrs. Andersen clarified for the record that copies of the repair lists have always been available in the superintendent's office.

A motion to put the three schools repair lists on the region's website to establish a benchmark was approved.

After the motion, and getting back to the unsigned leases, several board members recommended the estimator's prices be included with the leases.

No motion was made on the K-5 facility leases.

The board went into executive session.