Along with electing its new officers, the Board of Education heard an update on the Newtown High School auditorium renovation project at its meeting on December 5.New Board OfficersNHS Auditorium UpdateAddressing 12/14

Near the start of the meeting the school board elected its new officers. It was the school board's first meeting since those elected in November began their time on the board December 1.

After announcing nominations and speaking to the nominations, school board members voted 4 to 3 in support of Michelle Embree Ku as the board's new chair. Rebekah Harriman-Stites nominated Ms Ku for the position, recognizing her integrity, knowledge, and leadership qualities. Ms Harriman-Stites, Ms Ku, and board members Debbie Leidlein and John Vouros supported the motion to name Ms Ku as the board's chair.

"I think our board will be well served with [Ms Ku] at the helm," said Ms Harriman-Stites.

Ms Ku later nominated Ms Harriman-Stites to serve as the board's vice chair, saying she is an "incredibly experienced and knowledgeable" board member. Ms Ku, Ms Harriman-Stites, Ms Leidlein, and Mr Vouros voted in favor of Ms Harriman-Stites being the school board's new vice chair.

Dan Cruson, Jr, was voted unanimously to be the board's new secretary after Ms Leidlein nominated him.

Ms Leidlein said Mr Cruson is, "one of the first people who responds to the community... and I really think he is honest and forthright in his communication with the public."

Later in the meeting, Newtown Public Schools Director of Visual and Performing Arts Michelle Hiscavich shared an update on the NHS auditorium renovation project.

"Phase Two has been on schedule," said Ms Hiscavich.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ms Hiscavich said she learned that the first lighting was turned on. Speakers were installed last week, she said.

Mr Vouros asked, "How is the cement?"

Cracks in the cement floor were previously reported to the school board. Ms Hiscavich said areas still look bad. Some repairs have been made, but other areas remain to be rectified. Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue said most of the concern is about aesthetics; but she also said it is a beautiful space.

First Selectman Daniel Rosenthal, who attended the meeting, said he was pleasantly surprised when he toured the space last week. While saying the imperfections should be rectified, he said the general impression may be that the cracks are worse than they are.

Board member Dan Delia said "the kids deserve perfect" and he appreciates Mr Rosenthal's stated commitment to rectify issues with the auditorium renovation project.

Dr Rodrigue also announced during her Superintendent's Report that with the date of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School approaching, she and Mr Rosenthal will be asking members of the news media to be "respectful of our town, our families, and staff in our schools on that day."

"We have communicated to families and staff regarding our plans for 12/14," said Dr Rodrigue. The Thursday school day will be a quiet and reflective day of remembrance.

The district's transportation task force will reconvene on December 11, said Dr Rodrigue, to review possible improvements for school start times and transportation next school year.