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Tag: Board of Education

  • 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.

  • Democrats Sweep Rocky Hill Election

    Democrats Sweep Rocky Hill Election

    On November 4, Rocky Hill voters chose Democrats for the office of Mayor and the majority position on Town Council, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates.

    Statement from Mayor-elect Allan Smith:

    Last night, Rocky Hill voted for a new direction. I am honored to share that I have been elected to serve as our next Mayor, and that our dynamic Democratic team will hold new majorities on both the Town Council and the Board of Education.

    This result did not happen by accident. We knocked on doors in every neighborhood in town, often two and three times. We spent months talking with people in driveways, on front porches, and along the sidewalks. Our volunteers made thousands of phone calls and personally reached out to friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Because of this work, voter turnout increased by approximately ten percent compared to previous municipal elections. That is something the whole community can be proud of. Civic engagement is vitally important to the strength of a community, and it came from every corner of town.

    In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with community members, town staff, and local organizations as part of a transition process. Our goal is to begin the first 100 days with a clear plan and to act on the priorities we discussed throughout the campaign.

    Our focus moving forward:

    • Strengthening our commercial tax base to reduce the burden on homeowners
    • Supporting our schools and the educators who serve our children
    • Improving communication and transparency in town government
    • Using available grants and securing additional outside funding

    I am ready to get to work. I will continue meeting with residents and local stakeholders throughout the year so your voices continue to shape the decisions we make.

    Thank you to everyone who voted, volunteered, and supported us.

    I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank the outgoing elected representatives. Mayor Marotta has been the face of Rocky Hill for six years, with her volunteer activities extending for years before that as well. Other outgoing elected officials have also spent countless hours volunteering their time toward the stewardship of Rocky Hill. I look forward to working productively with the remaining Republican members of the Town Council, as I believe we all want what is best for the people of Rocky Hill.

    Rocky Hill has a bright future, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead the way as your Mayor.

    Let’s get to work.

    Allan Smith and Kerry Wood
    Mayor-elect Allan Smith and State Representative Kerry Wood

    The incumbent and incoming Democratic Town Councilors are John Emmanuel, Mukesh Desai, Melissa Kaplan, Miriam Theroux, and Zach van Luling.

    The incoming Board of Education members, Jennifer Baron-Morfea, Jessica Loffredo, Maria Mennella, Tom Cosker and  Kristen Dudanowicz issued the following statement:

    “Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in the election yesterday. We are truly honored by your trust and support in electing us to the Board of Education in Rocky Hill. Your engagement shows a shared commitment to our schools and community. As we begin this important work, we pledge to lead with transparency, integrity, and collaboration. We will always put students, families, and staff at the heart of every decision. Together, we will continue building a strong, supportive, and thriving educational environment for all in Rocky Hill.”


    Elected candidates will take office Monday, November 10, at 8pm at Town Hall.

    Poll Results

    Source: CT Mirror