5/20/2026 - Special Board of Education Meeting

The Bristol Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on May 20, 2026, primarily focused on approving the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget and reviewing multiple policy updates. The budget discussion highlighted a total budget of approximately $137 million, with required reductions of about $5.8 million primarily from the general education side, while special education funding was preserved and increased by over $5 million. Key procurement-related decisions included defunding newly requested general education positions, reducing software and sports program expenses, and leveraging city contributions to offset health benefit costs. The board unanimously approved the budget as presented. Additionally, the meeting covered the adoption and amendment of several mandated and model policies related to school operations, attendance, student rights, and technology use, with some debate on policy language and public comment procedures. No new contracts or vendor selections were discussed, but budget allocations and resource prioritization for staffing and facilities were central to the meeting.