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Category: Town Government

  • It’s Time to Renew: Rocky Hill Must Invest to Meet Student Needs

    It’s Time to Renew: Rocky Hill Must Invest to Meet Student Needs

    Opinion piece: this article reflects the opinion of the author.

    The Rocky Hill Board of Education recently voted unanimously on the Operation Budget for the 2026-2027 school year. As we said in our presentation to the Town Council this week, we believe every investment in our schools strengthens opportunities, outcomes, and long-term success for students.

    Of this year’s proposed budget, 7.64% covers negotiated salaries, benefits, and transportation costs, including field trips. Only 1.34% restores positions, stipends, and resources lost in recent years.

    Investments include reducing class sizes, restoring teaching positions, adding a guidance counselor at GMS, a social worker at the high school, a Special Education Supervisor for the high school and GMS, and a TESOL teacher to support multilingual learners. Additional support for music, math intervention, STEM, athletics, and student activities are also included.

    Rocky Hill students continue to perform above the state average on SBAC and SAT testing, but the data also shows challenges. About 30% of students are not proficient in Math and ELA on SAC assessments.

    On the SAT, 45% of students in Math and 23% in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing are not meeting the state average. These numbers reflect students who may need additional academic, behavioral, or social-emotional support.

    Alongside the operating budget is the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which identifies essential capital projects needed to maintain town-owned buildings. Over the past seven years, however, the CIP has been underfunded by approximately $7 million. The unfinished HVAC project at Stevens School is one example of the impact delayed investments can have on our facilities. Future priorities include completing that project and addressing needs at GMS, including updated learning spaces like a redesigned media center, technology lab, and renovated woodshop.

    Sustaining excellence requires investment. Public education is not a cost to be minimized. It’s time for Rocky Hill to renew its commitment to our public schools.

  • RH Superindentant Updates Parents about Food, Buses, and other Resources

    RH Superindentant Updates Parents about Food, Buses, and other Resources

    Rocky Hill Superintendent of Schools Mark Zito sent out the following message to parents on the afternoon of Friday, February 6:

    Dear Families and Staff Members,

    As you may know, the Concierge Apartments in Rocky Hill have been dealing with significant physical infrastructure issues. As of today, all five buildings have been deemed temporarily unsafe, and residents are being relocated. School district officials were just briefed on the situation by the Town Manager and other Town officials. 

    Please rest assured that services and supports are being actively coordinated among families, the property management team at Concierge Apartments, and the Town of Rocky Hill’s Human Services Department. In collaboration with the Town, our goal is to ensure that families are connected to the resources they need as quickly and smoothly as possible.

    The Town has shared the following supports that are available to affected families:

    • Connecticut Foodshare Mobile Pantry
      Open to all residents at Elm Ridge Park every other Friday from 1:00–1:45 p.m. Residents should bring their own bags and will receive food, including fresh produce.
      Upcoming dates include: February 13, February 27, March 13, and March 27.
      Additional locations and information are available at: https://mobilefoodpantry.ctfoodshare.org/
    • Rocky Hill Food Pantry
      The pantry offers nonperishable food items and other essential needs. To schedule an appointment, please call (860) 258-2799.
    • School-Based Snacks
      Snacks will be available to students, as needed, at West Hill, Moser, GMS, and RHHS.

    For additional assistance or questions, families may contact the Town of Rocky Hill’s Human Services Department at (860) 258-2799.

    We are working with our colleagues in Human Services to determine where families will be temporarily relocated (e.g., various area hotels). Once those details are available, we will work to coordinate busing services for the students that have been affected by the closure to ensure that these students continue their schooling with minimal disruption. In addition, we offer breakfast and lunch every day (M-F) at each of our schools. Children who may not regularly participate in the school district’s meal program are encouraged to take advantage of this service – a wide variety of meals, including vegetarian options, are available. 

    If you need school-related support for your child—academic, social, or emotional—please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school. We are committed to working alongside you and our community partners during this time.

    Finally, we realize that many staff members and families not directly impacted by this situation have inquired about helping the families that have been affected by the closure of the apartment complex. At this time, anyone wishing to help is asked to make a donation to the Rocky Hill Food Pantry. Please contact The Town of Rocky Hill’s Human Services Department for additional information. 

    We are grateful for the collaborative relationship that the Board of Education has with our municipal colleagues working for the Town of Rocky Hill. We also want to acknowledge the resilience of the families and students impacted by the closure of Concierge Apartments. We will continue to reach out directly to those families as more information becomes available. 

    Respectfully,

    Mark Zito, Superintendent of Schools