Support Stonington Music July 12, 2010

The popular Blue Monday concert series will continue through the summer at 6 p.m. Mondays in Mystic River Park. Come listen to some great music, relax and enjoy the scenic Mystic River and support our music students as well.

The concerts are sponsored by the Stonington Education Fund and concert sponsors in past years have contributed thousands of dollars to benefit the public schools’ music programming. Thanks to Mark and Christine Kepple for their continuing to ensure the success of these concerts.

MMS Land Swap Proposal July 12, 2010

The proposal to swap an acre of land that is currently part of the MMS property for an acre of land now owned by an adjacent property owner and located to the rear of the MMS property is heading to a referendum vote.

The swap was approved by a narrow margin at a Town Meeting in June, but petitioners have forced the issue to referendum. No date has yet been set for the referendum, but it will likely be some time in August.

The Board of Education deliberated on this issue over several months in 2009 and ultimately decided to not take a stand on it. However, at a recent public hearing and the Town Meeting, new information has come to light about the proposal and the potential for development near MMS.

Because of the Board’s responsibility for the safety and welfare of students and the school community, the Board is now further studying this issue, has requested some legal counsel about it and will likely discuss it further at a special meeting scheduled for July 29.

New Policy Proposals July 12, 2010

At its July meeting, the Board of Education began consideration of two policies that could mean some substantial changes.

One policy is a proposed revision of the drug-alcohol use policy. After numerous discussions with administrators, coaches, outside consultants, counsel and police, the Board has proposed a policy that would extend prohibition of drug and alcohol use to off-campus, non-school-sponsored activities for students who seek the privilege of becoming involved in athletics and extracurricular clubs.

The goal of the policy would be to seek to ensure the health and safety of our students. The Board will continue discuss at its August meeting and will sponsor public forums on this topic to help ensure public awareness of any changes that could be made.

The second policy seeks to encourage financial sponsorship by corporations and businesses as a means to diversify revenue sources for the schools. Should this policy be approved, a special committee would likely be formed to review any sponsorship/advertising proposals.

This policy will also be again discussed at the Board’s August meeting. That meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 12 in the Board meeting room at the Old Mystic Administration Building.