Leah Clark

The meeting began with an Executive Session to discuss student matters. Key discussions included a Moment of Silence for two deceased former employees, Daniel Bird Jr. and Jude Kelly. The Board celebrated student excellence by honoring Brianna Moos, a Connecticut Region Scholastic Art Award winner. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Districtwide Facilities Committee's recommendation for the Master Facility Plan, Phase 2, which includes a proposal to close Flanders Elementary School, build a new Kelley School, and conduct redistricting in Phase 1, with Phase 2 involving a future referendum for a new Derynoski Elementary and Karen Smith Academy. Public communication focused heavily on opposition to closing Flanders Elementary School, though some residents supported moving forward with facility improvements. The Board also approved several out-of-state/overnight field trips, approved Educational Specifications for roof replacements at three elementary schools (Hatton, Strong, and Thalberg), and held first readings for several revised policies and curriculum updates. New appointments were made to the Leonard & Gladys Joll Scholarship Committee.

The special meeting included the approval of Amy Aresco as the new Director of Pupil Services with an annual salary of $179,689 for the 2025-2026 academic year. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Review/Adoption of the Board of Education 2026-2027 Operating Budget, which involved debate regarding the funding source for special education teachers (NEXUS vs. Operating Budget) and the inclusion of a new FTE social worker position. An amended motion to approve the budget at $130,075,074 (a 6.71% increase) ultimately carried. Discussions also covered the Elementary Construction Project, specifically Scenario D2 which includes building out Kelley and South End schools, followed by redistricting and the closure of Flanders school, with direction to take formal action at the subsequent meeting.

The special meeting of the Committee of the Whole included an executive session for the purpose of discussing student matters. Following the executive session, the public session reconvened before the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting began with a call to order and a Celebration of Excellence segment recognizing Gretchen Yatzook as the Wheeler/Young VFW Post #201 State Teacher of the Year, highlighting her commitment to teaching Patriotism, American History, and Civic Responsibility. Following a brief recess, the Board approved the minutes from the January 8, 2026 meeting. Student Board Representatives provided reports covering high school midterms, various district initiatives such as the One School, One Book program, student awards, STEM projects, and the halfway point of the winter sports season, noting undefeated streaks and broken school records. Administration reported on a donation received for the STELLAR store front, provided an update on elementary school projects with a referendum date set for May 4, 2026, and detailed the status of the Outdoor Archery Unit discussion. Under Old Business, the Board approved the revised Proposed School Calendar for the 2026-2027 School Year on the second reading. New Business included the approval of two out-of-state/overnight field trips for the SHS Varsity Winter Guard and the approval of Thursday, June 11, 2026, as the date for the Southington High School graduation ceremony. The meeting concluded with a presentation on Board Member Roles and Responsibilities, covering topics such as confidentiality, conflict of interest, and the role of Board Committees, followed by adjournment.

The meeting included an Executive Session to discuss the search and hiring process for the position of Director of Pupil Services. Key agenda items approved during the regular session included three out-of-state/overnight field trips for the CyberKnights Robotics Team (to Vermont and Texas) and a trip to Rome and Sicily, Italy, for upper-level Latin students. The Finance Committee report led to the award of a contract for the ASTE Barn construction project to J.A. Rosa Construction LLC. Financial updates covered decreased meal counts post-Covid and the district's expected Special Education Excess Cost reimbursements. Multiple policies underwent their second reading and approval, including Policy 5131.7 (Restorative Practices Response) and three new Library Policies. Several new and revised K-12 course curricula were approved, such as K-5 Health, Grade 6 Science, AP Human Geography, AP Government and Politics textbook adoptions, Advanced Pottery, SHS Emergency Technician (EMT), and four new Agricultural Science courses. Administration reported on a donation received to offset meal debt and plans for a 'Kindness Campaign' involving Kindness Benches. The Superintendent presented the proposed 2026-2027 Budget, reflecting a 6.89% increase.