New Britain Board reviews alumni fund policy and recognizes Jewish holidays in schools

The New Britain Board of Education meeting on April 7, 2025, highlighted significant community concerns and decisions impacting local students and families. A key discussion arose regarding the reallocation of funds from alumni class accounts, specifically raised by Margaret Keithline, a graduate from the class of 2016. Keithline expressed her discontent over the decision to absorb over $6,000 from her class account into the general student activity fund, arguing that these funds were intended for their upcoming reunion and that alumni were not adequately informed about the potential loss of their contributions. She urged the board to establish a clear policy regarding the management of such funds to prevent similar situations in the future.

Another pressing issue addressed was the lack of recognition for Jewish holidays in the school calendar. John Ward called for the inclusion of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as official school holidays, emphasizing the importance of equity and inclusivity for all religious communities. He pointed out that other districts in the area already recognize these holidays, and he urged the board to align its policies with its stated values of diversity and respect.

In addition to these discussions, the board recognized April as Autism Awareness Month, passing a resolution to promote understanding and acceptance of autism within the community. The resolution highlighted the growing prevalence of autism and the need for continued support and resources for affected individuals.

The meeting concluded with the board officially setting June 13, 2025, as the graduation date for New Britain High School, marking an important milestone for students and families in the district. These discussions and decisions reflect the board's ongoing commitment to addressing community concerns and fostering an inclusive educational environment.