Board of Education 05/28/2026

The Town of Southington Board of Education held a meeting on May 28, 2026, primarily focused on finalizing the 2026-2027 school year budget amid significant financial constraints. The board discussed a required $1.6 million reduction imposed by the Board of Finance, including an $833,934 cut that would be temporarily offset by state funds but would effectively reduce the base budget going forward. Key budget adjustments included staff reductions across teaching, paraeducator, custodial, and maintenance positions, with particular concern expressed over proposed cuts to special education administrative roles. The board also approved revisions to curriculum units in world languages, agricultural science, and social studies, as well as updates to job descriptions for various maintenance and special education positions. A new pay-for-play policy for athletics was introduced to offset transportation costs, with fees capped per family and hardship waivers available. After extensive discussion, the board voted to approve the budget with a slight increase in the teacher substitute line to preserve a special education administrator position. The meeting underscored challenges in balancing fiscal responsibility with maintaining educational services and staff morale.