Stonington Public Schools Board of Education

The committee discussed updates on the portable classrooms project, including the pending review by Planning and Zoning and procurement timelines. Financial discussions focused on upcoming budget preparations. The committee reviewed progress on the slab at the District Office, facilities maintenance and efficiency projects, and identified necessary repairs for the 204 location. Additionally, the committee discussed the testing and programming of new school radios.

The committee reviewed the curriculum for several subjects, including Music 1, Music 2, Personal Finance I, Personal Finance II, Honors Drawing, Introduction to Theater, and AP Biology, and voted to advance these curricula to the full board for a first read. Furthermore, the committee scheduled AP Psychology and Painting & Pastels to be added to the agenda for their next meeting.

The Board meeting included various recognitions, including student achievements, teacher tenure, and grants for STEM and arts projects. Presentations covered the Invention Convention and STEM program expansions. Public comments addressed sensitive topics such as discrimination policies, gender identity in school sports and facilities, bus contracts, and Board member behavior on social media. The Acting Superintendent provided updates on climate surveys, building committee facility tours, K-3 literacy initiatives, legislative updates, and new collaborative programs like 'The Blue Economy'. The Board approved the 2026-27 revised budget, a bid waiver for critical infrastructure repairs, the removal of a former superintendent from financial accounts, and updates to the school calendar. Subcommittee reports were heard regarding learning initiatives, finance, and policy, including the approval of a revised fundraising policy and regulation.

Key discussions during the meeting included the election of the Committee Chairperson, resulting in Bridget Shirvell being selected. Financially, an overview of the monthly report indicated savings in administrator salaries, teacher salaries, and public utilities, with a tabling of the discussion regarding excess funds and contingency fund establishment. The status of the 2026-2027 Budget Review was presented, and information on a new entitlement grant, the District Review and Improvement (DRIP) grant, was provided. Facility matters involved an update on Capital Improvement Projects, including using $26,000 in energy efficiency funds to purchase an electric van, contract revisions for SMS portables, progress on repairs at 204 (2nd Floor Slab), and air quality testing at WVSS. Under the Building Maintenance and Operations Report, the condemnation of the 36-year-old natural gas MAU at Stonington Middle School kitchen was reported, with a request for a bid waiver to replace it immediately. The committee is also compiling a summer project list, noted significant decreases in energy consumption (up to 25% in some buildings), and confirmed the necessary replacement of a failing roof gutter at SHS.

Key discussion topics included recognition for the SHS Interact Club and congratulatory remarks for the retiring Superintendent. Citizens voiced concerns regarding gender identity policies, including biological status, use of facilities, and participation in female sports, with requests for related agenda items. Concerns were also raised about parental access to instruction materials and the budget presentation, including a request to reinstate the Deans Mill librarian position. Business approved during the meeting included the appointment of Timothy Smith as Acting Superintendent of Schools, approval of the revised 2025-26 school calendar, and approval of the superintendent's 2026-2027 proposed budget. Subcommittee reports covered curriculum review and noted that policy feedback would be addressed at the next meeting.