Board of Education 9/24/2026

The Town of Southington Board of Education held a meeting on September 24, 2026, which included several procurement-related discussions and contract awards. The finance committee reported on multiple items, including the approval of a waiver to bypass the bid requirement for a water heater replacement at Depalo Middle School, awarded to Tower Hill for $39,896.93 funded through a district repair and improvement project grant. Additionally, the board approved awarding RFP 2027-002 for fencing at the high school barn facility to WBE Fence Company, Inc. for $49,400. The committee also reviewed a failed bid for a utility loader, subsequently awarded via quotes to Gravely Access 200DT, funded by an AST grant. Financial reports highlighted a $333,223 shortfall for fiscal year 2025-2026, with mitigation measures including spending freezes and delayed purchases. The food service program reported a net loss of approximately $89,000, influenced by a $90,000 dishwasher purchase and changes in state policy requiring the Board of Education's operating budget to cover negative meal debt. The board approved the superintendent's goals for 2026-2027 and authorized submission of the high school roof plan to the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services. Discussions also touched on community engagement plans for an upcoming referendum and traffic safety studies near school zones.