News Briefs

At a Botelle Board of Education (BOE) meeting held on Aug. 23 at 2 p.m., several parents expressed concerns about recent changes at the school. In a Facebook posting on the Norfolk CT Chatter page prior to the meeting, parent Michael Listorti had encouraged all parents to attend. “There are many pressing concerns to address,” he said, “including almost every teacher resigned at the end of the 2021/2022 school year, enrollment is dangerously low and noncertified staff have been hired as classroom teachers.” 

These concerns were brought to the attention of the board during the public comments period at the opening of the Aug. 23 meeting. Board members chose not to respond at that time, saying that the public comments part of the meeting was not an appropriate time to engage in debate. They offered instead to hold a public forum on Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. following the regular board meeting. Board members said that all questions will addressed at the forum. Virtual and in-person options will be available for that meeting. 

First Selectman Matt Riiska also spoke to the board, requesting that they resume negotiations with the Colebrook Board of Education to work toward the goal of consolidation in view of the seriously declining enrollment. The number of the students registered for the coming semester is 63.