Regional School District 5

The meeting included a discussion regarding the development of a policy on Artificial Intelligence, which was prioritized as a first order of business. The Board engaged in multiple deliberations and votes concerning proposed updates to the Middle School schedule. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the adoption of the Superintendent's proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, ultimately resulting in an approved 1.2% increase. Additionally, the Board reviewed various committee and administrative reports, including financial summaries, special education updates, and personnel matters, and authorized several budget transfers exceeding $3,000 for special education services.

This document outlines the Amity Regional School District's proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It details adjustments to the middle school schedule, including world language choices, class size considerations for Spanish, and a 4-day rotation for efficiencies and intervention support. Key personnel impacts include the reduction of a Spanish teacher, addition of a French teacher, and adjustments to health/PE staffing to reduce class sizes and enhance offerings. The proposal also outlines budget additions for a Certified Nursing Assistant Course, and details town allocations with various teacher staffing scenarios, reflecting changes in funding variances for Bethany, Orange, and Woodbridge. The revised middle school schedule aims to increase elective choices, provide three world language options, maintain instructional periods, and align with the high school schedule, while the budget revisions address staffing needs and resource allocation for student support.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting includes several critical discussion points and possible actions. Key items are the potential recommendation for the Policy Committee to develop a policy on Artificial Intelligence and prioritize it. There will be an update on the Middle School Schedule and substantial discussion and action regarding the Superintendent's Proposed 2026-2027 Budget. Reports are scheduled from the Superintendent, Chairman (covering various committees like ACES, CABE, Curriculum), Facilities, and Finance. The Finance section includes a presentation and discussion of the Fourth Quarter 2025 Executive Summary Review of various pension and trust funds, discussion of monthly financial statements (including a Special Education Update), and review of budget transfers.

The meeting included a Pledge of Allegiance led by the Chairperson. Public comments addressed concerns regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence in education, praise for the district's quality of education contingent on budget passage, and opposition to proposed changes in Physical Education graduation requirements and a teacher transfer. Correspondence was presented, followed by presentations and discussions regarding the Middle School Schedule and the Superintendent's Proposed 2026-2027 Budget. The Chairman's report included various committee updates (ACES, Curriculum, Finance, etc.). Financial discussions covered monthly statements and approved transfers under $3,000. A Personnel Report was also presented.

The meeting was called to order followed by a recess for a special joint AFC BOE budget meeting. Student Board of Education representatives presented their monthly reports for the High School and Middle School levels. The Superintendent's Report was postponed to the subsequent Regular BOE Meeting. No public comment was provided for items noticed on this specific agenda.