Locks BOE Will Copy Berlin Model

The Windsor Locks Board of Education is changing the format of one of its twice a month meetings.

The board decided on Thursday to use its second meeting of the month as a workshop. Officials said they will try the new format to see how it works.

Board Chairwoman Patricia King said during a presentation at  a Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Berlin school officials said they have a business meeting and a workshop meeting each month. King said she thought Windsor Locks school officials could use their second meeting of the month for meeting with administrators and staff to discuss programs and topics.

Superintendent of Schools Wayne Sweeney said it would still be a board meeting held in public. While there would not be public participation on the agenda, a parent or other member of the public could be invited to take part in the meeting, he said.

Board members would still be able to take votes on issues if they want to, Sweeney said.

The board could invite members of the superintendent’s parent advisory committee to take part in a workshop discussion, Sweeney added.

Board Member Margaret Byrne said she thinks the workshop is a good idea. The board could have more in-depth presentations and discussions about subjects that the normal business meetings don’t provide enough time, she said.