CABE's On-Demand Webinars

Let's navigate the Connecticut General Assembly website together.

Learn how to find the latest version of a bill, if an amendment has been offered, who serves on the Education Committee, and the fiscal impact of implementing a bill.

Sheila McKay takes you down the rabbit hole.

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Join us to learn more about what is involved in becoming a candidate for your local board of education. Our presenters will share practical information that will assist you as you consider your potential candidacy.

Presenters:
Donald Harris, Immediate Past President, CABE; Board Chair, Bloomfield Board of Education
Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE

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Join us as we discuss the details of the budget process in the General Assembly and the latest version to be voted on by the Appropriations Committee this week.

Did the Appropriations Committee vote favorably to speed up the 2017 10-year bipartisan agreement on ECS funding?

Presenters:

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

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With the growing movement to ban books in schools and public libraries, come learn the latest from a superintendent, CABE's Sr. Staff Associate for Policy Service, and a board of education member who also serves on the board of a public library.

Presenters:

Dr. Paul Freeman, Superintendent, Guildford
Janice Cupee, Board Member, Stratford; Secretary, Stratford Library Board of Trustees
Jody Goeler, Sr. Staff Associate for Policy Services, CABE

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The Education Committee has finished reporting out bills that originated in the Education committee. Join us for a brief summary of their current status.

Presenters:

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

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Handouts

An overview of legislative issues in preparation for CABE's 2023 Lobbying Day.

Presenters:

Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE
Sheila McKay, Sr. Staff Assoc. for Gov't Relations, CABE

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Handouts

In June 2019, legislation was passed to develop an African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies at the high school level.

Join us to learn more about the legislative requirements, the curriculum development process, and how this course has impacted a teacher and students at the Bridge Academy. During this facilitated conversation we will hear from both the teacher and students regarding their experiences.

Facilitator:

Martha Brackeen-Harris, Consultant, CABE

Presenters:

Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE
Denise Moller, Teacher, The Bridge Academy
Students, The Bridge Academy

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A briefing on the Governor's budget bills, including funding for paraprofessionals and the continuation of the Learner Attendance Engagement Program (LEAP). 

Presenters:

Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE

Sheila McKay, Sr. Staff Associate for Gov't Relations, CABE

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Presentation Slides

In this webinar, we focus on five critical communications-related roles of school boards.

• Setting communications policy
• Allocating resources
• Evaluating the superintendent
• Serving as an ambassador to the community in order to share the direction of the district, and
• Listening to stakeholders to gather input

Presenter: Chris Horan, Horan Communications

Fee:

$0 CABE Express
$25 CABE Member
$60 Nonmember

Register to Watch On-Demand

Members of the State Department of Education answer follow-up questions from the previous webinar, Reading Curriculum Legislation and Waiver Process, that was held on January 6, 2023. 

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PowerPoint Presentation

Valuable information about the reading curriculum legislation and waiver process. 

Melissa Hickey, Director of the Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success, and other State Department of Education staff present.

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The 2023 Connecticut General Assembly Regular Session convenes on January 4. Now is the time to begin to plan your district's advocacy efforts.

We encourage you to be engaged in the legislative process as public hearings and committee discussions are richer with your local input.

Example: We hear you have concerns about the implementation of the HVAC legislation. Sharing those concerns with Legislators helps to frame the potential next dedication of funds. Your voice can effect change.

Join us to understand the process and how your voice is necessary to advance public education.

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Handout

Parliamentary procedure may not seem to be the most exciting topic, but it is an essential framework for running an efficient board meeting and instilling confidence in your residents that your board is being effectively governed.

In this webinar, you will learn the basics of parliamentary procedure and ways to improve your public meetings. We will cover a variety of the most common procedural tasks.

Presenters:   

Nick Caruso, Sr. Staff Associate for Field Services and Coordinator of Technology, CABE
Conrad Vahlsing, Sr. Staff Attorney, CABE

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PowerPoint Presentation 

Do you have newly appointed/elected board members? Are potential candidates for the 2023 election expressing interest? This overview of the roles and responsibilities is for them!

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Members of our three organizations are troubled about the tenor of discourse in our nation. While all three have emphasized empathy, civility, and inclusivity, we have seen intimidating, hateful, and threatening messages on social media and in messages directed at our members.

We are concerned that we will lose volunteers on school boards, educational professionals, or candidates who may not be willing to put themselves forward for these important positions.

We want to ensure that public discourse is civil, that the right of the public to engage in and listen to orderly discussion is preserved and that our members can make decisions in thoughtful, civil discussion free of personal attacks.

These experts will provide an overall view of these issues and recommendations on ensuring civility in your districts.

Introduction:    
Bob Rader, Executive Director, CABE
        
Moderators:        
Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director, CAPSS
Patrice McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel, CABE
    
Panelists:    
Stacey Sobel, Regional Director Connecticut, ADL
Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, Superintendent, Hartford Public Schools
Tom Mooney, Chair Emeritus, Shipman & Goodwin, LLP
 

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Join us as we update you on the Appropriations Committee - the budget and Education bills.

There is no cost to CABE Members to attend this professional development opportunity.

Presenters:

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

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Join us as we go over the bills voted out of the education committee. 

Presenters:

Patrice McCarthy, Deputy Director, and General Counsel
Sheila McKay, Sr. Staff Assoc. for Government Relations

Handouts

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Learn the latest on key education issues before you lobby your legislators on how proposed legislation will impact your district. 

Listen HERE. 

Make An Appointment with Your Legislators or email your legislator at www.cga.ct.gov

There are a number of pieces that make for an effective board meeting. 

Topics to be discussed will include:

• Civil and Productive Participation in Meetings

• Parliamentary Procedure Basics

• Freedom of Information Act Requirements

• Developing the Agenda

Presenters: 

Patrice McCarthy, CABE Deputy Director and General Counsel
Conrad Vahlsing, CABE  Staff Attorney

Fee:

$0 CABE Express
$25 CABE Member
$60 Nonmember

Register to Watch On-Demand Here

How effectively does your district listen to the concerns, ideas, and questions of the people you serve? Listening is a critical communication skill for Boards of Education and Superintendents, particularly when the community is divided over controversial issues. In this webinar, a veteran K-12 communications specialist will share tips and strategies to create authentic opportunities for students, families, staff, and community members to share their perspectives with district leaders.

Presenter:

Chris Horan, Founder and Managing Partner, Horan Communications

Fee: 

$0 CABE Express
$25 CABE members
$60 nonmembers

Register to watch On-Demand Here

With so many contentious and divisive issues facing boards and superintendents, you need to know what strategies you have available to you in order to keep the focus of your meetings on the work of the board. It is also important in this time of crisis to recognize you are not alone in experiencing chaotic interruptions to your meetings.

Join us to learn about strategies and hear from a district that has recently been faced with contentious meetings. You will also have the opportunity to share your experiences and ask questions.

Presenters:       

Patrice McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel, CABE
Anthony Perugini, Board Chair, Cheshire
Jeffrey Solan, Superintendent, Cheshire

Fee:

$0 CABE Express
$25 CABE members
$60 nonmembers

Register to Watch On-Demand Here

Appropriations Committee Budget

Presenters: 

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

Fee: Free

Watch Here

Education Committee Bills

Presenters: 

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

Fee: Free

Watch Here

CABE's Virtual Day on the Hill

Presenters:

Patrice McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel, CABE
Sheila McKay, Sr. Staff Associate for Government Relations, CABE
Senator Eric Berthel, Ranking Member of the Education Committee
Representative Kathleen McCarty, Ranking Member of the Education Committee

Fee: Free

Watch Here

Governor's 2021-23 Budget

Presenters:

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

Fee: Free

Watch Here

Names Matter: Continuing the Conversation

Language is ever-evolving. Join us for this discussion about terminology and insights as to why it is important for people to self-identify and how we respect that by how we use terminology.

Facilitator: 

Robert Rader, Executive Director, CABE

Presenter:

Dr. Martha Brackeen-Harris, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant, CABE

Fees: CABE Express: $0  •  CABE Members: $25  •  Non-members: $60

Register to Watch Here

Preparing All Students for the Future: Addressing Learning Gaps of All Students

Join the conversation as we all redefine what we are doing in our schools after a year of doing things differently.

Presenters: 

Nate Quesnel, Superintendent, East Hartford
Vince DeLucia, Director/Educator in Residence, NJ School Boards Association

Fees: CABE Express: $0  •  CABE Members: $25  •  Non-members: $60

Register to Watch Here

Public Education in 2021: A Conversation with Anna Maria Chavez

Presenter:

Anna Maria Chavez, Executive Director and CEO, NSBA

Facilitator:

Robert Rader, Executive Director, CABE 

Fees: CABE Express: $0  •  CABE Members: $25  •  Non-members: $60

Register to Watch Here

Dispelling COVID-19 Vaccination Myths

Recent reports have shown that people of color are less likely to get vaccines than others, even as statistics tell of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on our African-American and Hispanic communities.

In order to help our members, especially those with majority populations of people of color, the CABE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee has been working with Hartford Board Chair Ayesha Clarke and the Health Equity Solutions (HES) to provide a webinar specifically aimed at Dispelling COVID-19 Vaccination Myths.

Presenter: Dr. Reggie Eadie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Trinity Health of New England 

Fee: Free

Watch Here

Re-engaging Students and Families 

School Board Leadership Through Effective Policy

Presenter: Vin Mustaro, Sr. Staff Associate for Policy Services, CABE

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Fourth Session in CABE's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 20-21 Series
A New Year: A Lot Has Changed; A Lot Hasn't - What Can We Do?

Presenter: Dr. Martha Brackeen-Harris, Consultant, CABE 

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Promoting Civility Around the Board Table and Beyond

Presenters:

Patrice McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel, CABE
Liz Brown, Board Member, Waterbury; First Vice President, CABE
Robert Rader, Executive Director, CABE

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Relationships Matter!

Presenters:

Robert Rader, Executive Director, CABE
Lydia Tedone, Board Member Simsbury; Regional Director, NSBA
Patrice McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel, CABE

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

The Board’s Role in the Budget Process

Presenters:

Michael Purcaro, Town Administrator, Vernon; Board Chair, Ellington Board of Education
Brian Greenleaf, Director of Finance and Operations, Ellington Public Schools

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

The Board’s Role in Advocacy

Presenter:

Sheila McKay, Sr. Staff Associate for Government Relations, CABE

Fee: Free

Register Here

Session 1: Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members and Superintendents

Presenters:

Patrice McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel, CABE
Nick Caruso, Sr. Staff Associate for Field Services and Coordinator of Technology, CABE

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Session 2: Continuing the Conversation: What We’ve Learned and What We Still Need to Learn

Presenter: Martha Brackeen-Harris, Consultant, CABE

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here 

Session 3: The Board’s Role in Communications

Presenter:

Lisa Steimer, Sr. Staff Associate for Professional Development and Communications, CABE

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

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Presenter:

Dr. David Johnson, Co-Director, Post Traumatic Stress Center; Yale School of Medicine; Founder, The Miss Kendra Programs

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Fee: $25

Register Here

Presenters:

Kosta Diamantis, Deputy Secretary, Office of Policy Management
Charlene Russell-Tucker, Deputy Commissioner, Connecticut State Department of Education

Fee: CABE Member Free • $40 Non- Member

Register Here

Session 1: Current Labor Relations and Human Resource Issues

Presenters:

Kevin Roy, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin
Natalia Sieira Millan, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Session 2: Special Education Issues

Presenter: Michelle Laubin, Attorney, Berchem Moses

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Session 3: Board Meetings in A Virtual or Hybrid World

Presenter: Mark Sommaruga, Attorney, Pullman & Comley

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Session 4: Extracurricular Activities, Transportation and Liability

Presenter: Fred Dorsey, Attorney, Kainen, Escalera & McHale

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $60 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Session 1: The Role of Board Members as Leaders in a Time of Crisis

Presenter: Commissioner Miguel Cardona

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $35 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here 

Session 2: Unprecedented Leadership: Navigating Legal, Policy, Advocacy and Governance Issues

Presenters: CABE Senior Staff

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $35 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here 

Session 3: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – 2^nd Session

Dear School Boards, Your Students, and Staff of Color Are Not Okay: What Can School Boards and Superintendents Do?

Presenter: Dr. Martha Brackeen-Harris, CABE Consultant

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $35 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Session 4: Trauma/Adverse Childhood Experiences

Presenter: Adam Lustig, NSBA Center for Safe Schools

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $35 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Session 5: What School Boards Need to Know About Finance and Building Preparations/Maintenance in Light of COVID19

Presenters:

Bernice Rick, Business Manager, Naugatuck Public Schools
Wayne Casper, Director of Facilities/Transportation Coordinator, Bloomfield Public Schools
Rich Carmelich, Chief Operations Officer, EdAdvance

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $35 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here

Session 6: Student Voice

Presenters:

Milan Chand, Former Student Member, State Board of Education
Sophia Chin, Former Student Member, State Board of Education

Fee: $25 CABE Member • $35 Non- Member • CABE Express Free

Register Here