Newtown Board of Education Approves Donations, Reviews Budget, OKs December Financial Report

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Education on Jan. 27 unanimously approved donations to six schools, accepted the district’s December 2025 financial report, and continued discussion of the proposed 2026–27 education budget, with final action expected in early February.

The board approved its consent agenda by unanimous vote, including minutes from Jan. 10 and Jan. 13 meetings, $250 donations to Hawley Elementary School, Sandy Hook School, Middle Gate Elementary School, Newtown Middle School, Newtown High School and Reed Intermediate School, and the correspondence report.

The board also unanimously approved the December 2025 monthly financial report after reviewing $541,270 in transfer requests. Director of Business Tanja Gouveia explained the transfers, and board members asked clarifying questions before the vote.

Superintendent Anne Uberti used her report to acknowledge recent winter storm impacts and asked families for patience regarding transportation delays.

During committee and liaison reports, board member Shannon Tomai summarized highlights from the Jan. 27 CFF Subcommittee meeting, including budget updates and facilities issues such as a solar panel problem at Reed Intermediate School, tree removal at Newtown High School, and bathroom updates at Middle Gate Elementary School.

Board member Don Ramsey reported on a recent Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting and highlighted a new interdisciplinary American History course being offered at Newtown High School. The course combines English and history and centers on the theme “What Is an American?” using a personalized instructional approach.

Discussion of the proposed 2026–27 budget focused on staffing needs, particularly in special education and intervention services. Board Chair Alison Plante reviewed the budget timeline and invited questions.

Board member Doria Linnetz asked about changes reflected in newly distributed budget pages, which Gouveia said were related to staffing. Linnetz also questioned the impact of PAL students on classroom staffing. Uberti said each PAL student is accompanied by an adult throughout the school day, increasing the number of adults in classrooms and requiring additional coverage for staff breaks.
Ramsey praised the condensed version of the budget book and the use of a shared document for questions and answers, describing the proposal as generally positive.

Further discussion addressed the need for a math interventionist position. Assistant Superintendent Frank Purcaro said the role would differ from the Math Center, which provides short-term help, by offering sustained, targeted support for students with foundational skill gaps. Uberti said the interventionist would help students who struggle to keep pace in traditional classroom settings.

Board members also discussed the request for a Fine Arts Department Chair at Newtown High School. Uberti said the position would require adding a teacher to allow for both instructional coverage and departmental leadership, potentially expanding course offerings.

Plante asked whether an additional budget meeting was needed Jan. 29. Board members agreed it was not necessary, and Plante said the Feb. 3 meeting would include final discussion and possible action on the budget.

The meeting adjourned unanimously at 8:11 p.m.