Region 20 Board of Education
6/11/2026 7:00 PM
Absent: Scott Pottbecker
The Region 20 Board of Education began its meeting by approving a change to the agenda on a motion by Margaret Hunt and a second by Kara Cruoglio.
The Board then recognized James Morris School student Micah Barney, whose poem was selected for inclusion in asap! A Celebration of Young Writers. Holly Torrant introduced Barney, who read the poem to Board members.
Cruoglio reported on the work of the Strategic Planning Committee, which developed district goals that were later approved by the Board. On a motion by Billie Jean Sideris and a second by Ashley Westfall, the Board adopted four district goals focused on curriculum coordination, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, climate and culture, and operational efficiency and fiscal sustainability.
Superintendent Jeffrey Villar said the goals would be accompanied by measurable benchmarks and regular progress reports. He said the next phase would include developing action plans and connecting the goals to the work of Region 20 staff.
In his superintendent’s report, Villar explained the district’s decision to hold a half-day of school on June 12, noting that not all school buildings are air-conditioned. He also reported on the first meeting of the district’s technology advisory committee and introduced the district’s newly hired elementary intervention and instruction specialist. Responding to a question from Sideris, Villar said the technology committee is open to Board members and will meet again in September.
The Board also received a report from the Professional Development and Evaluation Committee (PDEC), which is required by state statute. Presenters Randi Zanesky and Kyle Harris outlined the committee’s responsibilities and reported that planning is underway for professional development activities during the 2026–27 school year.
During public comment, Litchfield resident Matt Tobin requested information regarding funds paid by Region 20 on behalf of Litchfield and Region 6. He said the towns are “owed an itemized list of what was paid” as part of the recent Region 20 audit.
Later in the meeting, the Board accepted a gift for the Lakeview High School Debate Club on a motion by Susan Wheeler and a second by John Morosani. The Board also accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 budget audit on a motion by Sideris and a second by Morosani.
Before the audit vote, Chief Financial Officer Julia Cardillo said concerns raised at the May meeting regarding Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) had been resolved, citing documentation from the district’s actuaries and attorney. Morosani said discrepancies he had identified were the result of a reporting error and added that credit rating agencies do not consider OPEB liabilities in their evaluations.
