BOE Special Meeting 5/18/2026

The Middletown Stream Board of Education held a special meeting on May 18, 2026, primarily focused on budget deliberations for the 2027 fiscal year. The discussion centered on the challenges of reconciling the Board-approved budget with the Common Council's approved budget, which included a lower-than-expected city contribution and health insurance savings that were reductions in cost rather than new appropriations. The Board reviewed proposed budget cuts, including restructuring supervisory positions in math and English Language Arts, and considered the impact on staff and student programs. The meeting also addressed procurement-related topics such as the removal of $436,400 for Chromebooks from the budget, with a subsequent grant approval of nearly $300,000 to fund device replacements. Additionally, contract-related expenditures were discussed, including a $500,000 amendment to the Staco transportation contract for benefits negotiated to avoid a strike. The Board expressed concern over the late receipt of budget information and the need for thoughtful consideration of further cuts, including the potential closure of a school, which would require town approval. The meeting concluded with plans to continue discussions and explore solutions in upcoming sessions.