CABE/CAPSS Convention

Public Education:
Moving Forward for ALL Children

Friday, November 18 and 19, 2022
Mystic Marriott Hotel, Groton

The CABE/CAPSS Convention provides Connecticut board of education members and superintendents the opportunity to acquire knowledge through general sessions and workshops that can help them prepare students to be successful in the 21st Century. Attend the Convention and experience a day focused on student growth. Hear from top-level education thought leaders on the latest educational initiatives, celebrate Connecticut's talented students, network with school leaders from throughout the State.

Registration Now Open!

Registration is now open for all board members, superintendents, and CABE business and education affiliates!

Be a part of Connecticut's premiere professional development for educational leaders.

Click here to learn more about the 2022 CABE/CAPSS Convention and for the registration form.

Register Online

Hotel Reservations

Mystic Marriott Hotel
625 North Road, Route 117
Groton CT 06340

Reservations must be made on or before the cut-off date of Friday, October 21, 2022, at 4:00 pm EST in order to be eligible for the group rate of $160. Reservations made after the cut-off date will be based on availability at then-current rates.

Make reservations Here.

Agenda

Workshops

Friday, November 18, 2022

A SESSIONS

10:35 – 11:55 am

A1 Legislative Update (LLF, APE, D, NAB)

With a January start, the General Assembly will be considering work on professional development mandates, regional districts, and funding. Updates to work from task forces on ableism, HVAC and remote learning will be discussed.

Moderator:

Meg Scata, Board Member, Portland BOE

Presenters:

Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE
Sheila McKay, Sr. Staff Associate for Government Relations, CABE

A2 Title IX Grievance Process from Start to Finish (D, NAB)

Changes to Title IX regulations in 2020 completely changed how allegations of sexual harassment need to be investigated in educational settings whether involving students or employees. This works will help make sure your district is in compliance.

Moderator:

David Erwin, Coordinator, RESC Alliance

Presenters:

Carolyn Dugas, Attorney, Berchem Moses
Rebecca Goldberg, Attorney, Berchem Moses

A3 CAPSS Blueprint to Transform Connecticut's Public Schools - 2022 Update (LLF, APE, D, NAB)

The CAPSS Blueprint is a comprehensive and long-term vision for the continuous improvement of CT's public schools. We will share the 30 recommendations of the Blueprint, progress made thus far and what CT's priorities should be for the upcoming year as recommended by Superintendent of Schools

Moderator:

Becky Tyrrell, Board Member, Plainville BOE

Presenter:

Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director, CAPSS

A4 Educator Evaluation and Support (LLF, APE, D)

The Educator Evaluation and Support Council has been examining best practices in Connecticut and other states. CABE's representations on the Council and two district leaders will share what they have learned and practices they have implemented.

Moderator:

Marion Manzo, Board Chair, Region 15 BOE

Presenters:

Elizabeth Brown, Board Member, Waterbury
Leonard Lockhart, Board Member Windsor
Kelly Lyman, Superintendent, Mansfield Public Schools
Sam Galloway, Director of Human Resources, Bristol Public Schools
Chip Dumais, Executive Director, C.E.S.

A5 Differentiated Approaches to Equity-Centered Change (D)

In this workshop, participants will examine the ways that Boards of Education and Superintendents can engage in strategic equity planning using multiple entry points for this work in a divisive climate. Participants will explore case studies that show multiple approaches, supported by ACES, while considering which approach might meet the needs of their district.

Moderator:

Andy George, Board Chair, Stamford BOE

Presenters:

Michelle Gohagon, Assistant Director of Professional Development and School Improvement, ACES
Dina Secchiaroli, Professional Learning Specialist, ACES

A6 Creating Opportunities through Teacher Residency Program (D)

In this workshop participants will engage with partners committed to ensuring all students have access to diverse teachers in their school districts. You will learn why the CT Teacher Residency Program is an effective grow-your-own teacher certification pathway. Be a part of this "Call to Action" for multi-prolonged partnerships to develop and sustain a diverse and qualified teacher workforce.

Moderator:

Lydia Tedone, Board Member, Simsbury BOE

Presenters:

Scott Nicol, Superintendent, Ellington Public Schools
Gary Highsmith, Superintendent, Hamden Public Schools
Nicole Sanders, Equity and Talent Officer, New Britain Public Schools
Katherine Ericson, Executive Director, LEARN
Cyemone Douglas, TRP Graduate and Teacher, Museum Academy

A7 School Safety (LLF, D, NAB, APE)

School safety continues to be a concern in Connecticut and across the country. What can schools do to create a safer environment for all? What best practices are in place? How can the principles of risk management help you identify and mitigate potential threats to your school district and municipality?

Moderator:

George Kurtyka, Board Member, Derby BOE

Presenter:

Michael Purcaro, Town Administrator, Emergency and Risk Management Director for the Town of Vernon
William Meier III, Director of Business and Finance; Vernon Public Schools; Retired Vernon Police Lieutenant
Brian Foley, Town Manager, Tolland; former Hartford Deputy Police Chief

A8 Meeting with the State Board of Education (LLF, D, NAB, APE)

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with members of the State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education! We encourage you to share your views on issues of concern to you, your Board and your community, and to ask about the State Board's priorities for 2022-2023. The format will be as informal as group size permits. Topics covered will be determined by your questions.

Moderator:

Elizabeth Brown, Board Member, Waterbury Board of Education

Presenters:

Members of the State Board of Education
Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker

B SESSIONS

2:20 – 3:25 pm

B1 Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members and Superintendents (LLF, D, NAB, APE)

Connecticut's educational leaders recognize the power and potential to improve teaching and learning in our public schools through cooperative, purposeful and professional working relationships between superintendents and boards of education. At a time when public education is under tremendous pressure from reform initiatives, tight budgets and other community concerns, it is critical that this relationship be very strong. This workshop will communicate CABE's and CAPSS' views on the nature and expectations for Superintendent and Board working relationships.

Moderator:

Leonard Lockhart, Board Member, Windsor

Presenters:

Elizabeth Brown, Board Member, Waterbury; President, CABE
Matt Conway, Superintendent, Derby; President, CAPSS
Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE
Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director, CAPSS

B2 Ensuring Superintendents Are Ready to Meet Today's Challenges (LLF, APE)

Success in the superintendency today requires not only skills but strong Board relationships, an understanding of the community, and the ability to build a cohesive team. The session will include a discussion of the challenges faced by Superintendents in the future. A review of the components of a Superintendent's preparation program and explanation of the academic courses and practical internship.

Moderator:

Anthony Perugini, Board Chair, Cheshire BOE

Presenters:

Kelly Lyman, Retired Superintendent, Mansfield Public Schools
Joseph Macary, Superintendent, Vernon Public Schools

B3 Bringing a More Diverse History to Your Connecticut Classrooms through the Witness Stones Project (D)

This workshop will introduce participants to a more diverse and inclusive colonial and early American Connecticut. We will share the inspiration of the Witness Stones Project, the history of Connecticut and the West Indies trade, slavery in New England, and Connecticut, and how the project can bring a clearer understanding about the diversity of those who helped build our communities, their treatment during revolutionary times, and the importance of having students tell the stories of those formerly enslaved in Connecticut. It is powerful for our students to see a more colorful past than what is found in most hard copy or online textbooks. It breaks the myth that slavery was in the South, and prepares our students to have a more meaningful discussion about race and social justice in Connecticut.

Moderator:

Dan Cruson, Board Member, Newtown BOE

Presenters:

Dennis Culliton, Executive Director, Witness Stones Project
Pat Wilson Pheanious, Chair, Witness Stones Project

B4 Managing Employees Following the Great Resignation (LLF, D, NAB)

This presentation will address the meaningful ways the workplace has changed following the pandemic and The Great Resignation. To attract and retain good employees employers will need to recognize these changes and develop new approaches that will recognize employees' needs to feel respected and that their work is meaningful. This presentation will include strategies that will allow employers to meet employees concerns with a new approach to labor relations.

Moderator:

Ian Neviaser, Superintendent, Region 18 Public Schools

Presenter:

Patrick McHale, Attorney, Kainen, Escalera & McHale

B5 Moving Curriculum Forward for ALL Children with CSDE K-12 Universal Curricula Design Principles (LLF, D, NAB)

How might we refine process, policy or procedures to ensure all children have a high quality curriculum that is designed by evidence-based strategies and principals that moves public education forward? Participants will engage in activities that can be replicated in district to support local curriculum development process, policy and procedures, strategic planning and potential professional learning.

Moderator:

Susan Austin, Superintendent, Groton Public Schools

Presenters:

Paul Castiglione, Project Manager, CT State Department of Education
Jennifer Michalek, K-12 Math and Computer Science Education Consultant, CT State Department of Education
Irene Parisi, Chief Academic Officer, CT State Department of Education

B6 Capturing Hearts and Minds through Innovative School Communications (APE, NAB)

The development of a communication plan and use of a variety of traditional and innovative communication tools are paramount in helping all district stakeholders (staff, parents, students, community, government and businesses) understand and want to rally behind the district’s goals, priorities, values and initiatives. Learn how to develop a communications plan and utilize communication tools that can engage stakeholders, improve school climate and culture, and develop a positive story in the schools and community in the work being done in our schools. Identify strategies to employ when adverse outcomes result from school communications.

Moderator:

Guy Stella, Retired Superintendent

Presenters:

Jason McKinnon, Superintendent, Region 9 Public Schools
Robert Miller, Superintendent, Oxford Public Schools

C SESSION

2:20 – 4:20 pm

C1 34th Annual Meeting of the Nutmeg Board

Yet again, the Nutmeg Board meets and does all the wrong things. Designed to amuse and educate you, their actions will be analyzed from the legal prospective. This mock board meeting is based on the CABE Journal’s “See You in Court” column.

Presenters:

Thomas Mooney, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin
Cast to be determined

D SESSIONS

3:40 – 5:15 pm

D1 Policy

Join CABE staff for a presentation on a variety of policy topics. The discussion will range from boards’ policy-making philosophies, to recent policy issues and mandates, to a look ahead to future policy considerations.

Moderator:

Presenters:

Jody Goeler, Sr. Staff Associate for Policy Services, CABE
Conrad Vahlsing, Sr. Staff Attorney, CABE

D2 Understanding Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act (and New Remote Meetings Provisions) (NAB)

The FOIA contains open meetings and public records requirements (along with numerous exceptions) that unfortunately are often misconstrued. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic led to modifications of the FOIA, especially with respect to meetings. This workshop should serve to provide further/updated guidance to board of education members and school administrators seeking to navigate the FOIA. Special attention will be paid to modified "remote" and "hybrid" meetings requirements.

Moderator:

Jeff Solan, Superintendent, Cheshire Public Schools

Presenters:

Thomas Hennick, Public Education Officer, CT Freedom of Information Commission
Mark Sommaruga, Attorney, Pullman & Comley

D3 CT Alliance Districts Panel Discussion (LLF, APE, D)

Join this panel discussion of the current issues and challenges facing Alliance Districts. In addition, best practices from various districts on Alliance Grant Priorities will be shared. Most importantly, practical ideas that impact students and their academic, social and emotional learning in our schools will be discussed.

Moderator:

Leonard Lockhart, Board Member, Windsor BOE

Presenters:

Nathan Quesnel, Superintendent, East Hartford Public Schools
Joseph Macary, Superintendent, Vernon Public Schools
Alliance District Board of Education Members TBD

D4 Navigating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Challenging Times (D)

How do we improve the overall health of diversity, equity and inclusion during challenging times? Where should we begin and how do we know that we are making effective improvement in our schools and districts? Join this exciting session focused on evaluating DEI health in your school or district and taking bold and effective steps towards positive change.

Moderator:

James Connelly, Retired Superintendent

Presenter:

Angela Griffin, Director Performing Arts, Simsbury Public Schools

D5 Modeling Civility in Your School District (APE, NAB, D)

This session will help school board members put into practice CABE's Policy and Belief calling on public officials and levels of government to model civil discourse in their deliberations. The board room, the classroom and social media provide opportunities for board members to demonstrate civility and serve as role models that can help communities build relationships and consensus.

Moderator:

Robert Mitchell, Board Member, Montville BOE

Presenters:

Frank Henderson, President, NSBA
Elizabeth Brown, Board Member, Waterbury Board of Education
Donald Harris, Board Chair, Bloomfield Board of Education
Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE

D6 A Post-Pandemic World for Schools: How to Leverage All the Resources Your RESC Has to Offer (LLF, APE, D, NAB)

As federal funds taper off, many school districts are looking for resourceful ways to continue to offer high-quality education experiences and professional development opportunities to their communities. Regional Educational Services Centers (RESCs) are nonprofit, fee-for-service, public education agencies providing a wide range of critical educational services across the state, including: social-emotional initiatives; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion resources and training; diversifying the educator workforce; early childhood learning; Special Education and Autism Programs; adult continuing education opportunities and enrichment; and employment and training services. Whatever unique needs your district may have, RESCs are working hard to support your continued success.

Moderator:

Ethel Grant, Board Member, Naugatuck BOE

Presenters:

Aura Alvarado, Director of Communications and Community Relations, CREC
Devonna Dionne, Director of Marketing and Communications, EdAdvance
Dona Prindle, Director of Marketing and Communications, EASTCONN

Saturday, November 19, 2022

9:35 – 10:45 am

Students on Boards of Education: Policy into Practice

This workshop is designed for student from across the State of Connecticut to better understand the roles and responsibilities of being a student representative to their board of education and how their voice can impact decisions that affect all students in their district.

Presenter:

Eileen Baker, Board Member, Old Saybrook Board of Education

E SESSIONS
9:35 - 10:45 am

E1 Collective Bargaining: Basics and More (NAB)

Help new board members understand basic principles and more experienced members to understand trends in collective bargaining.

Moderator:

Conrad Vahlsing, Sr. Staff Attorney, CABE

Presenter:

Floyd Dugas, Attorney, Berchem Moses

E2 Closing the Gap: How Standards-Based Arts Education Promotes Social-Emotional and Academic Learning for All Children (LLF, APE, D)

Social Emotional Learning and strong academic achievement are vitally impacted by participation in strong, Standards-Based Arts programs. Learn how the arts promote more well-adjusted, socially and culturally aware, creative, and intellectually curious young people.

Moderator:

John Prins, Board Member, Branford BOE

Presenters:

Angela Griffin, Director of Performing Arts, Simsbury Public Schools
Demaris Hansen, Professor Emeritus, University of Hartford
Amy Perras, Director of Arts, Milford Public Schools

E3 Title IX Rebooted: What the Recent Changes Mean for Addressing Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination in K-12 Schools (D, NAB)

This workshop will be a high-level overview of the recent changes to the Title IX relevant to K-12 school districts including significant procedural changes. We will discuss the changes to Title IX that occurred in 2020 and what changes are forthcoming in light of the ongoing review and revision of these regulations by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights. The discussion will focus on what these changes mean for school districts, how the changes are to be applied alongside other applicable Connecticut laws such as the bullying statute and best practices for addressing sex discrimination and sexual harassment in district programs and activities. We will discuss board of education policy implications and the mandatory training requirements imposed by the new rules.

Moderator:

Tony Perugini, Board Chair, Cheshire BOE

Presenters:

Sarah Gleason, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin
Jessica Richman Smith, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin
Gwen Zittoun Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin

E4 Remote Instruction: The State of the State (LLF, APE)

The panel will address the labor and employment implications of any legislative proposals, will provide an update on the status of remote instruction in the State of Connecticut, including the status of the reports of the legislative Task Force on Remote Instruction, and any legislation adopted during the 2022 regular or special sessions on this topic. The panel will address the general and special education implications of the formation of a Statewide remote school option for Connecticut students, potential impact on students, staff and school systems in Connecticut and provide insights into how remote instruction may be changing the state of education in Connecticut, for better or worse.

Moderator:

Guy Stella, Retired Superintendent

Presenters:

Katharine Gabrielson, Director of Pupil Services, Stafford Public Schools
Michelle Laubin, Attorney, Berchem Moses
Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director, CAPSS
Irene Parisi, Chief Academic Officer, CT State Department of Education
CT State Department of Education Staff TBD

E5 Addressing Equity with Trauma Sensitive Schools (LLF, D, NAB)

Stonington Public Schools has been partnering with EASTCONN for over three years to address a range of historical structures and practices that have resulted in inequitable access to content and programming. Through the use of trauma sensitive practices, student engagement and performance has grown.

Moderator:

Joe Macary, Superintendent, Vernon Public Schools

Presenters:

Erin Dunn, Sr. Educational and Behavioral Consultant, EASTCONN
Mary Anne Butler, Superintendent, Stonington Public Schools
Ravit Stein, Director of Psychological and Behavioral Consultation Services, EASTCONN

E6 21st Century Libraries: Something to Shh!!!OUT About (APE, D, LLF)

Learn about the magic that happens in school libraries, why they are important for student achievement and protection of readers rights and intellectual freedom.

Moderator:

Dan Cruson, Board Member, Newtown BOE

Presenters:

Karen Radziewicz, Library Media Specialist, Portland Public Schools
Melissa Thom, Teacher Librarian, West Hartford Public Schools
Barbara Johnson, Librarian, Colchester Public Schools
Jenny Lussier, Teacher Librarian, Regional 13 Public Schools

Facilitator:

Meg Scata, Board Member, Portland Board of Education

F SESSIONS
9:35 – 11:35 am

F1 Integrating White Spaces: Building Cultural Competence in Public School Systems (D)

Prioritizing the recruitment and retention of teachers of color is seen as a primary driver to address the racial inequities that continue to plague students of color within our public school systems. The state of Connecticut reached a milestone in 2021, attaining the goal set in 2016 to have at least 10% of the teaching force in Connecticut represent teachers of color. In this workshop participants will examine practices that help to build more inclusive and diverse communities and those that do not. Through awareness, open dialogue and reflection, participants can critically examine the conditions within their own organization and develop a plan for increased cultural competence as a means to attract and retain more diverse members.

Moderator:

Ethel Grant, Board Member, Naugatuck BOE

Presenters:

Kerry Lord, Director of Programs, Partners for Educational Leadership
Marlene Megos, Director, CT Teacher Residency Program
Ushawnda Mitchell, Managing Director, CT Teacher Residency Program

G SESSIONS
10:50 am – 12:00 pm

G1 Equity, Safety and Health: A Master Plan for Inclusive and Higher Student Achievement (D)

School building design can provide equity for all, and school buildings contribute to mental and physical health, and therefore the performance of students and staff. How can your physical environment enhance your educational program for all learners? Equity, safety and health through building design takes a concerted, district-wide effort that begins with analysis of both board policies and building assessments. Funding a district-wide equity, safety & health plan through a masterplan gives a community and its leaders a realistic picture and timeline of the needs. Advocacy for protecting equity, safety and health of your students and staff begins at the local level.

Moderator:

Meg Scata, Board Member, Portland BOE

Presenters:

Angela Cahill, Associate Principal, QA+M Architecture
Michael Dietter, Deputy Superintendent, Bristol Public Schools

G2 They Said What? Free Speech Rights and Limitations in Public Schools (NAB)

Students, staff, board members and members of the public - they all have something to say in school, outside of school and at board meetings. What constitutes free speech protected by the First Amendment? How can, and how should, boards and schools address speech-based concerns and conflicts? This workshop examines the law of free speech with a particular focus on recent cases and events.

Moderator:

Becky Tyrrell, Board Member, Plainville BOE

Presenter:

Kyle McClain, Attorney, Zangari Cohn Cuthbertson Duhl & Grello

G3 In-Person Board Chair Check-In

This session is an extension of the virtual Board Chair Check-Ins and Updates CABE has held since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This in-person session will allow Board Chairs to continue to have conversations and learn from one another and CABE staff.

Moderator:

Laurel Steinhauser, Board Chair, Portland BOE

G4 When Your District Makes National News & It Isn’t Good! How Public Relations Can Save You (APE, D, LLF)

There are certain situations that happen in our school districts where we need professional communications assistance. Ann Baldwin, President of Baldwin Media and Colleen Clark, a former teacher and longtime member of the Southington Board of Education, will share what worked and what didn’t during a recent story that made National headlines. This session will be an open conversation (case study) about a situation that happened recently.

Learn how in this case, the board chair, the Superintendent, and Ann Baldwin worked together to minimize impact.

Moderator:

Nicholas Caruso, Sr. Staff Associate for Field Services and Coordinator of Technology, CABE

Presenters:

Ann Baldwin, President, Baldwin Media Marketing
Colleen Clark, Board Chair, Southington Public Schools

Sponsorship Opportunities and Advertising

Convention Sponsorship Opportunities and Advertising
See our new sponsorship benefit for all levels of sponsorship!

Click here to print a copy of the Convention Sponsorship Order Form

Click Here to print a copy of the Convention Magazine Advertising Insertion Order Form

PLATINUM SPONSORS $7,500 PLUS
Benefits also include all Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond Sponsorship Benefits, plus

• Placement of one information piece in Convention packets, but no catalogs, please

• Opportunity to briefly address Convention attendees

• 15% Discount on CABE Business Affiliate membership at the Gold Diamond or Platinum Levels

• 25% discount on a single advertisement in the CABE Journal

DIAMOND SPONSORS $5,000-7,499
Benefits also include all Bronze, Silver, and Gold Sponsorship Benefits, plus

• One e-mail message, approved by CABE, sent on your behalf to registered Convention attendees

• Recognition in pre-Convention E-letter, sent to all board of education members and superintendents

• Sponsor logo featured on our sponsor sign, to be displayed in a highly visible area

• 20% discount on a single advertisement in the CABE Journal

GOLD SPONSORS $2,500-4,999
Benefits also include all Bronze and Silver Sponsorship Benefits, plus

• Recognition in Convention Edition of the CABE Newsletter

• List of Convention attendees containing name and district

• 15% discount on a single advertisement in the CABE Journal

SILVER SPONSORS $1,500-2,499
Benefits also include all Bronze Benefits, plus

• 10% discount on a single advertisement in the CABE Journal

• One complimentary registration for a CABE workshop (exception: CABE/CAPSS Convention)

BRONZE SPONSORS $500-1,499
Benefits include

• Recognition in Convention Program

• Special Sponsor Ribbon for you and your staff

• Custom signage at sponsorship site

• Recognition at the CABE website

• Sponsor name featured on highly visible display

If you would like more information, contact Lisa Steimer at 860-571-7446 or email lsteimer@cabe.org.

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Your presence at the CABE/CAPSS Convention positions your company among the state's education leaders, giving you a distinct edge by participating in this premier event. From increasing awareness to generating greater booth traffic, you will undoubtedly maximize your profile to this critical market. Contact Lisa Steimer at 860-571-7446 or email lsteimer@cabe.org for more information or to secure sponsorship. For Exhibit Hall information, contact Dawn Cole at 860-236-8640 or dcole@capss.org.

In This Section

In This Section

CABE/CAPSS Convention

Public Education:
Moving Forward for ALL Children

Registration Now Open!

Agenda