Region 20 Board of Education Meetings

6/17/25

Present: Parkhouse, Rizzo, DeLayo, Terzian, Morosani, Hunt (online), Wheeler, Barnes, Daddona
Absent: Pottbecker, Martin, Westfall

The Board held its third District Meeting to present the revised FY26 budget. Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Villar recapped the revised budget, adopted at a special meeting on June 10.

During public comment, most speakers supported the Board’s work and encouraged budget approval. Two students and several teachers shared personal stories about the importance of continued investment in schools. Steve Tracy, a former superintendent, challenged budget opponents to specify what further cuts they would make.

Cynthia Birkins of Litchfield raised transparency and fiscal oversight concerns, wanting more clarity on expenses and accountability before supporting the budget. She questioned the capital reserve fund, budget clarity, and contract bidding, and raised a potential conflict of interest with a painting contract. Villar assured that bidding policies are in place, and Board member Morosani noted all members sign non-conflict statements.

Billie Jean Sideris of Morris criticized administrative salaries and job titles, calling them “corporate-level salary in a public sector.” She urged the Board not to renew these contracts.

Lynn Rice Scozzafava, Region 20 Education Association President, defended teachers, stating they had voted against furloughs or reopening their contract. She highlighted that 43 teachers had volunteered hundreds of unpaid hours due to the district’s financial distress.

Lynette Miller of Goshen cited budget defeats as evidence the budget was too high, urging the Board to seek further reductions.

The meeting adjourned to a referendum on June 18. The budget passed: 2,186 yes, 1,560 no.

6/26/25

Present: Terzian, Morosani, Rizzo, Westfall, Hunt, Wheeler, Barnes, DeLayo, Daddona
Absent: Pottbecker, Parkhouse, Martin

Vice Chair Robert DeLayo led the meeting. Reports from the Curriculum and Ad Hoc Building Utilization Committees were received.

DeLayo, in his first vice-chair report, recognized the district’s challenges and credited progress to staff, PTOs, and volunteers. He praised Dr. Villar’s early efforts, noting Villar worked 10 days before his official start date. DeLayo highlighted increased public engagement, with over 3,000 votes cast in the budget process versus 110 in 2024. He thanked outgoing Board members for their service.

Matthew Terzian, not seeking reelection, emphasized the importance of putting students first and working toward common goals. He noted that healing was still needed in Region 20 but was optimistic about the future.

Chief Financial Officer Julia Cardillo reported a reduced worst-case deficit ($2.632 million, down from $2.764 million), with some uncertainty due to outstanding invoices. The deficit would be finalized in August. The Board approved non-resident tuition rates: $13,250 (K-8), $14,250 (9-12) for current students, $16,000 (K-12) for new students. Special education services for non-resident students are coordinated with their home towns, and the district is not obligated to provide such services.

Community donations were accepted: $200 from Civic Family Services, $2,800 from Ding Auto Parts, $1,000 from the Rachel White Fundraiser, and a 5th Grade Fun Day donation from the Hubschman family.

A one-year contract with EdAdvance for special education transportation was approved; EdAdvance was the sole bidder.

The Board approved Villar’s 2025-2026 goals: improve climate and culture, enhance fiscal outlook, provide leadership, and remain current with state policies. Suggestions included a broader community survey and more grant-seeking. Villar noted grants often go to less wealthy districts; Region 20 ranks 32nd in Connecticut’s wealth index.

A Memorandum of Understanding with CJR for mental health services was approved. The Board entered executive session to discuss separation agreements for three Central Office employees, then authorized the Superintendent to execute those agreements.

Curriculum Committee Meeting – 6/26/25

Present: Westfall, Hunt, Barnes
Absent: Pottbecker

The committee reviewed Dr. Villar’s proposal to overhaul curriculum development after the elimination of the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Villar called curriculum work “urgent,” proposing grade-level and content-area teams to support implementation, gather feedback, analyze data, and identify professional learning needs. Teacher input would inform textbook adoptions and resource requests. He pledged to engage teachers meaningfully and bring major curricular changes to the Board. The committee also received an update on the “Vision of the Graduate” initiative, identifying five core attributes: Creative Problem Solver, Empathetic Individual, Responsible Citizen, Effective Communicator, and Resilient Worker. Hunt praised the focus on empathy and kindness, and Villar emphasized the importance of making the Vision a central part of district culture. The Engagement Specialist position leading this work was eliminated due to budget cuts.

Ad Hoc Building Utilization Committee – 6/26/25

Present: Morosani, DeLayo, Rizzo
Absent: Pottbecker

The committee’s primary goal is to assess the efficiency of the district’s building blueprint, focusing first on Litchfield Center and Intermediate Schools. Dr. Villar stressed the need for comprehensive data and professional assessments before any decision about closing schools. He cited the importance of evaluating classroom specifications and operating costs, noting that funds for a building master plan are not currently available. Committee members supported a long-term needs study and the inclusion of non-Board members and community volunteers.