TRUMBULL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
TRUMBULL, CONNECTICUT
TO: TRUMBULL SCHOOL COMMUNITY
FROM: RALPH IASSOGNA, SUPERINTENDENT
SUBJECT: BOARD OF EDUCATION ACTION
DATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2011
At last evening’s meeting, the Board reviewed, discussed and/or took action in two areas that directly impact our staff and school community.
1. School Buildings Status Report
As you are aware, due to the extreme weather we have been experiencing and the resultant impact on our school buildings and grounds, the district, with the cooperation and support of the Town, has take several actions to ensure that our facilities are safe. Particular emphasis has been placed on a structural assessment of school/Town roofs as a result of the inordinate amount of snow and ice.
Through the continual efforts of AFB Associates, we were able to obtain the services of two structural engineers, Thomas Torrenti, P.E. and Raphael Aschettino, P.E., to evaluate our schools and provide almost 200 workers to remove snow/ice from roofs and other key areas. After their structural review, both engineers have attested that the buildings are safe, industry standards have been met, and our roofs are responding in accordance with their designed criteria. (Please note that this also will include Frenchtown where the workers are focusing their efforts to ensure a safe Monday opening.)
Special thanks and appreciation to AFB, our Plant Administrator Steve Kennedy, Maintenance Supervisor Don Walsh and the tremendous efforts and tireless work of our superb custodial and maintenance staff. They were truly outstanding, as was the cooperation and assistance of First Selectman Herbst and Town staff.
You should know that AFB, our facility manager, will continue to follow up on roof-related structural issues, Tom Torrenti, P.E., will be on call to assist us whenever necessary; and each Principal and head custodian will coordinate their building’s monitoring of any problems.
2. 2010-11 Calendar Update
After a great deal of discussion and the receipt of a significant amount of input, the Board voted to eliminate the February vacation. This was not an easy decision, but ultimately the Board believed it was in the best interests of students as we try to reestablish program continuity and instructional momentum.
Please note the following changes for the remainder of 2010-11 school year:
• February vacation (with the exception of Monday, February 21st—President’s Day) will be used to make up lost snow days; therefore, school will be in session February 22, 23, 24 and 25.
• The last day of school is scheduled for June 22nd, with June 21st graduation day.
• If one additional day is needed, it will be added to the end of the year, making the last day June 23rd.
• April vacation will be remain unless additional snow/emergency days occur.
All of the above is subject to change as dictated by the weather or other emergency closings.
The Board has authorized me to develop and implement a plan to avoid penalizing staff and students who have plans for the February vacation. This was predicated on the fact that utilization of the February recess was never designated nor publicized, as was the case with the April recess. Additional details will follow.
We realize that whenever changes such as these are necessitated, problems and issues will evolve, but I am confident fair and reasonable accommodations will be achieved.
Thank you.