[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6242523,"mediaKeyId","3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c","parentId",3247525,"title","Board reviews policy updates including student device/cell‑phone guidance and Section 504 procedures; handbooks to be updated","audioSeconds",215,"startMs",6186000,"endMs",6401000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c&start=6186&end=6401","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c/thumbnail_6186000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6242523/Connecticut/Board-reviews-policy-updates-including-student-devicecellphone-guidance-and-Section-504-procedures-handbooks-to-be-updated","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242523-aed2df02ef1fd1106666f6024c2fa9e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104727&Signature=PhCIBWhhRFKmv5HoM2eZYY77orT8goisGXZkUwXqprq-F0Y31nrYe6aIalyeU56t9DnBehhyivdt5X-fYGaZnrxDIKCqXllrYFohHJq6i59l0LrMPuM3OwcYAPorzxtGGCrN6oTsZ2fCnpyjR04fZy-NRyQf4IE2O8nEEoUnaVwd5cUMBClrD73gaUHZzHt15qmFL8G8hV4cy3hUfIN2EVHNQTrdMd73dtxhn~0lgsGEPP~vHrOO-~mx2-9l4Mug6v2CFnIxoY9zljT-3P3OsVKhLy0ZmUV~dOhTFfYhoTYPg8WB0CepRYpTf3GpTxQB9AM6J0JWLgX7B2X6o6oZnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-08T15:12:53Z","article","The Newington Board of Education on May 7 reviewed a set of proposed policy updates, including a revised policy on student personal electronic devices (cell phones, smartwatches and similar items) and new, required policies and forms related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

What was reviewed
Policy and legal counsel provided a package of proposed changes and new policies designed to: (1) modernize the district's policy on personal electronic devices and present the rules in a clearer, grade‑level format; (2) add required policy language and notices for Section 504 students and staff; and (3) tidy budget and purchasing policies for clarity. Counsel and staff said the 504 documents largely reflect federal statute and recommended forms from legal counsel.

Device policy specifics and timeline
- The proposed device policy separates general guidance from grade-level regulations and includes sections on permitted uses, misuse/discipline, and search-and-seizure notice language. - Administration said regulations implementing the policy would be presented in handbooks (elementary, middle and high school) and that the goal is to finalize policy language in time to update handbooks before the 2025–26 school year. - Board members requested that the policy text be clear and that the associated handbook language include specifics such as where devices are stored, permitted hallway use, teacher permission procedures and differences across grade levels.

Section 504 policies and notices
Legal counsel recommended adding required notices and forms for 504 plans and procedures; staff said these would be included as district forms and posted for parent access. Board members asked that student and personnel 504 policies be presented with the correct numbering and that forms be kept accessible online for families.

Next steps and priorities
Board members identified several priorities: finalize the 504 policy and forms as a mandated legal requirement; adopt the device policy promptly so handbooks can be updated; and continue to refine purchasing and budgeting policies as separate, lower-priority items. Administration said it will circulate corrected drafts (including proper policy numbering) and bring the updated polices back for action at a future meeting so the handbooks can be distributed on schedule.

Ending
Board members thanked staff and legal counsel for the work and asked for final drafts at the next policy meeting so that handbooks and family notices can be issued for the start of the next school year.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","NPS BOE Meeting - (5/7/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","The board reviewed proposed revisions to policies covering student personal devices (cell phones), Section 504 procedures and related regulations; administration said revised policies will inform student handbooks for 2025–26 and requested board feedback on wording and numbering.","taxTitle","Newington School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",51980,"location","Connecticut","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6242528,"Board raises school building rental fees 4% for 2025–26 to better cover operating costs",321,4959000,5280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c&start=4959&end=5280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c/thumbnail_4959000.jpg","/articles/6242528/Connecticut/Board-raises-school-building-rental-fees-4-for-202526-to-better-cover-operating-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242528-781fa25670baa2c3a9cd063bb95eec3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104727&Signature=RuNX16ZX4~wq5xzpt7GBhrDuPuF3a9FPVIxVgtFZ0Ef~vevCwQGfRpN7QE7U3W7smVvqzaYqxehUogUB8znjcgOvpTRcIuw6VAlLzr4Zaju2jZMDV1eNkh2P2YHPb~qQiia0-HZ9w99~Aif2yVypzsbiq825sDfRVz7bLH9ZyLWBente0LTnhw~WQzQTuaJOTaPCJJMgzoZY2g33klfiatpz1IO2q0k9eAanMxjlNfX4BvJj9KY2thBkIeFhVy738iLCkgjD96RIW~pqFqxSLxo0wPOi4G6nFlA1cbFotj4j32TQOg2VVxsLCOEI0Rg66gPi21c4pZVid-CXGof7Nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newington Board of Education voted unanimously May 7 to raise building‑use fees by 4 percent for the 2025–26 school year, effective July 1, 2025, to better align user charges with increasing labor and facility costs.

Why the board acted
Administration presented options (3.5 percent, 4 percent and 4.5 percent) and told the board that a 4.5 percent increase would more closely cover the district's full operating cost to open facilities (janitorial, HVAC, and staffing). The board selected 4 percent as a middle ground after discussion of community impact and cost recovery.

Details of the change
The fee increase applies across the district's tiered fee schedule for outside groups, including nonprofits and for‑profit users, with differential rates and existing exemptions (for certain town uses). Administration said the revenue impact across all categories is modest — administration estimated the district typically bills roughly $100,000–$200,000 annually for building use, so a 1 percent change would translate to roughly $1,000–$2,000.

Board discussion
Board members asked whether community groups would object; administration reported no recent pushback on modest fee increases. Several members said they preferred the 4 percent increase as a reasonable compromise: it helps cover costs without imposing a sharp jump on community groups, and the tiered schedule preserves lower rates for nonprofit and community partners.

Formal action
Motion: Move the board of education to increase the building use fees by 4% for the 2025–26 school year, effective 07/01/2025. Outcome: motion passed unanimously; roll call recorded in meeting minutes.

Next steps and transparency
Administration will update the district's facilities use web page and the external rental application to display the new schedule and will continue to offer fee exemptions and tiered pricing as appropriate.

Ending
Board members said they would monitor community feedback and revisit the fee schedule if necessary.

","The Newington Board of Education voted unanimously May 7 to increase building use fees by 4 percent for the 2025–26 school year to more closely match labor and operational costs for opening facilities to outside users.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6242533,"Students ask board to pilot card/contactless payments for school activities; board directs study and future agenda item",431,3563000,3994000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c&start=3563&end=3994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c/thumbnail_3563000.jpg","/articles/6242533/Connecticut/Students-ask-board-to-pilot-cardcontactless-payments-for-school-activities-board-directs-study-and-future-agenda-item","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242533-cc1a12f2253b65be7c2677cedc5e3d7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104727&Signature=hBuMU3Cr~GjLWQnyBVNZPRhtJcapbw5A9Rbt27r5qGeyswUavNyPX2vWmIaYAo5VxPuEdpXeRY6pzcM7LCGfPZJFNAM5tocIAjMRdpXHrdPI-gZHLdCYh6E1xAN066yIojvK1zSNLh0kOtiejWRBjd-VCyx-yDDH7te2qHlX4pYC-zcoYzkrsbAdZ4dEq1X3cs6md03faJxtbVpk1mSRflUDg7wnkyVsHEGceh7ZhyhtzJ1nITr58bDbN9iMyb7l-VABHanhenchEdPhXF4LS90GNZO-3Y~fBCYISF~XuGwUhDDr-ebjYkyCCw6wBmQlbWDEoGY~GsmcaNfb3ju2PQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students at the May 7 Newington Board of Education meeting asked the board to support a district-wide move to card and contactless payment methods for school stores, event ticketing and activity fees, arguing the change would improve safety, reduce handling of cash and increase participation in school activities.

What students proposed and why it matters
At the meeting a student representative presented several reasons to adopt electronic payments: (1) safety — reducing handling and transport of cash by students and staff; (2) time savings — eliminating lengthy cash counting and banking steps; and (3) higher participation — easing parent payment barriers when families lack time to deliver cash.

Student examples and board response
Student presenters gave real-world examples from the school store and prom fundraising and said contactless options used at neighboring districts increased sales and participation. One student said parents frequently lack cash for school activities and hoped a card option tied to student or parent accounts would avoid missed opportunities for students.

Administration direction
Board members asked staff to research implementation logistics, equity protections for unbanked families, and integration with existing systems (for example, using student ID accounts). Several board members suggested consulting the finance director and technology teams and adding the item to a future agenda for formal consideration. One board member specifically recommended a policy option similar to college student ID accounts — parents could maintain balances on an account for school expenses without sharing credit-card details directly with vendors.

No board action yet
The board did not vote on the proposal on May 7. Members asked administration to return with cost estimates, vendor options, equity safeguards for unbanked or underbanked families, and recommended operational processes. At least one board member suggested the topic be scheduled as a future agenda item and to include the finance director in the study.

Ending
Students and some board members said they consider the matter a practical modernization with modest budgetary impact if implemented through pilot programs; administration agreed to investigate and report back with recommendations and options.

","Newington High students proposed adopting card and contactless payments for school events and stores to improve safety, participation and efficiency; the board asked administration and finance staff to research policy, equity and logistics and to add the topic to a future agenda.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6242538,"Board signals support for naming Newington High School stage after retiring educator Christopher Clark",3076,2691000,5767000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c&start=2691&end=5767","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c/thumbnail_2691000.jpg","/articles/6242538/Connecticut/Board-signals-support-for-naming-Newington-High-School-stage-after-retiring-educator-Christopher-Clark","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242538-dc3ea81ade5fae2c87d9e04d9915460c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104727&Signature=nWJIm9MNqJRfVjENA6IeTsXcTur7eSG5WR-mEBfQJzaxXAO2hhityXL~Lf-Ba-7ozNDDGkJNv5fVQflVMMdBUtsdNRlkzGJylrqEXlf78ejhLAglZlKLAcad-DhyLo7nY3mnjslVcorMfsSV-zXsg9vdDaKdbFWFNczkShkhJrsJDGSvSGe7AeBi5FXPOElqZkuqV0Ods3RRpPH3JnbzPNp-HPD7WAYWCL~HEh8r4yXTUDnJ2E6aEKvhyrRUUT8Y7vXwxHujoZwiweZ4pG4qkTFg-6W5q6N91StbHVbzn1zk3pTF-ktyU-PWrQr7LU2X6eDsQz-DIVuC7bR8GGuNrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newington Board of Education and a large group of alumni, parents and students signaled support on May 7 for dedicating the Newington High School stage to Christopher Clark, a retiring music and theater teacher with a 22‑year career in the district.

Why the discussion matters
Community members and current students described Clark's multi-decade work leading choral and theater programs and argued a stage dedication would permanently recognize his contribution to generations of students. The board discussed plaque placement, materials, estimated costs and fundraising responsibilities but did not take a formal vote to name the stage that night.

What proponents said
Multiple speakers spoke in favor of honoring Clark. Matt Ford, who described himself as a former student and friend, told the board: \"The impact that Chris has had on Newington High School and the broader Newington community will be felt for a generation and has had an impact on generations of students in that school.\" Students and alumni described Clark's hands‑on work — building costumes, sewing dresses overnight, directing productions and mentoring students — and urged a visible, permanent recognition on the stage where performances are held.

Design, location and costs discussed
Board members and staff discussed placing a plaque on the audience-right side of the stage, below a speaker housing, and referenced a proposed plaque size of 24 by 36 inches. Staff presented examples and cost estimates: an etched brass plaque was shown as significantly more expensive in the sample materials (board members cited an $8,500 brass quote in discussion), while acrylic alternatives were identified as less costly and more flexible for graphic design. Meeting participants said community fundraising would be used to pay for the plaque and that alumni and patrons had already offered support; a board policy on facility naming was referenced as the procedural path for a final action.

Board direction and next steps
Board members said they supported moving forward and asked proponents to provide final cost and maintenance estimates and a fundraising plan consistent with the district's naming policy. Administration noted the district policy requires those proposing a naming to outline fundraising, cost and maintenance plans before formal board approval. Several board members emphasized material durability (one asked to avoid easily scratched acrylic in favor of a more permanent finish if funds permit).

No formal naming vote
The meeting transcript shows broad consensus and no formal vote that night. The board did not take a final vote but indicated willingness to advance the proposal pending receipt of a fundraising plan, exact specification of plaque materials and confirmation that the proposal complies with the district's facility‑naming policy.

Ending
Organizers said they would supply a final proposal, including cost breakdown and a plan to cover fabrication and installation. The board set no formal timetable for a final naming vote in the meeting minutes; proponents planned a community event May 23 to honor Clark and continue fundraising efforts.

","The board expressed consensus to proceed with a commemorative plaque and stage-naming for Christopher Clark, a long‑time choral and theater educator, and discussed design, cost and fundraising plans brought by alumni and community members.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6242543,"Board approves amended 2025–26 school budget reconciliation after grant and line-item adjustments",1096,5822000,6918000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c&start=5822&end=6918","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247525-0fd24e52c0cdc14792d3feeb89a24a0c/thumbnail_5822000.jpg","/articles/6242543/Connecticut/Board-approves-amended-202526-school-budget-reconciliation-after-grant-and-line-item-adjustments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242543-e57071cfd438c0341220bc1a8d08b724/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104727&Signature=LXinJmq8oez8gP2EiEr7pjT0A2M7Yy-WLhlZFYKKJVzXJWC5haNt8waH09eUBC4bBWvzU0Are9fS863ndaXcB32GeKMMiGeU0b21d3~19YvifTIgMtKhlHx3Yf0REQE4TIEG1T3P5cF-VlneIBuMlMClQM3xi3x63gWPlJ6a2JYxEVRKsJIica6c3KodPYulQm-LuzeD8g37VvGDZGOfzVQWgD0OdEqNXocaJ7D1srehWxTkkronQrBnQFT4rayZJd-52uRjIzUWDv05-BqUMs-jm0rVuOx8ky3KX9OXgiTnMCq8xaqL8U2NREt5CRPL5sQ31LXUZnhezahZT71i2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newington Board of Education voted on May 7 to adopt an amended 2025–26 budget reconciliation that the administration said brings the district into compliance with a $650,000 town-mandated reduction while preserving priority programs.

Board and administration leaders said the revision depends on recent grant awards, projected hiring savings and a set of targeted, mostly non-salary reductions.

Administration summary and why it matters
The administration presented a reconciliation that combined: an awarded Nor'easter Academy grant for $100,000; projected savings from lower-than-expected starting salaries for newly hired staff; a series of modest cuts in non-instructional line items; and a small use of the board's nonlapsing fund. The package, administration staff said, reduces the district's projected overshoot to the level required by the town while preserving core services and a number of one‑time \"buy ahead\" purchases (playground and classroom chairs, and several multi-year subscriptions).

Key items discussed
- Grant offset: Administrators reported receipt of a $100,000 Nor'easter Academy grant, which was applied to offset previously anticipated shortfalls.
- Hiring savings: The administration told the board it had filled certain positions at a lower salary step than budgeted and recommended recognizing $100,000 of salary savings tied to recent hires.
- Targeted non-salary reductions: Staff recommended roughly $10,300 of line-item adjustments (technology peripherals, some building activity accounts and modest reductions in discretionary library/media spending) that they characterized as achievable without sacrificing required services.
- Buy-ahead purchases: The administration proposed a set of onetime purchases funded from realized savings this fiscal year to avoid higher costs later, including playground equipment and replacement classroom chairs.
- Reliance on nonlapsing fund: The revised reconciliation reduces the requested draw on the nonlapsing fund; administration presented a plan that would use roughly $74,150 from that fund to reach the town's required target.

Board reaction and safeguards
Board members repeatedly said they wanted to minimize reliance on the nonlapsing fund and preserve classroom resources. Several members urged caution about cutting library/media collections, arguing that book budgets support equitable access for students; at least one member asked administration to restore $4,000 to the library/media line and instead identify the offset elsewhere in the reconciliation. Administration said principals would make decisions about which school activity sub-items to trim if required, and that core items such as intramurals or Battle of the Books would be retained if possible.

Formal action
The board moved and seconded the reconciliation as presented on screen, as amended in discussion, to a total appropriation of $91,613,371 (a 5.19 percent increase over current-year budgets per the displayed reconciliation). The motion passed; board minutes record the motion as approved and the meeting transcript states the motion \"passed unanimously.\" Outcome: approved.

What the vote does not yet do
The reconciliation is the board's internal action to align its proposed operating plan to the town requirement. Administration said recurring issues such as technology lifecycle (Chromebooks) and special education cost pressures remain part of an ongoing budget conversation and could require future adjustments.

Next steps
Administration will finalize the reconciliation numbers and post the revised budget documents. The board chair and finance staff indicated monthly budget updates to the board during the fiscal year to track realized savings, grant receipts and any further adjustments.

Ending note
Board members thanked staff for locating grant funds and for the granular line-item review; several members said they wanted continued attention to textbook and library funding and to the district's long-term technology plan.

","The Newington Board of Education approved an amended 2025–26 budget reconciliation that incorporates grant funding, targeted cuts and buy‑ahead purchases to meet a town-mandated reduction; the board recorded consensus to limit reliance on the district's nonlapsing fund.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reviews policy updates including student device/cell‑phone guidance and Section 504 procedures; handbooks to be updated

Board raises school building rental fees 4% for 2025–26 to better cover operating costs

Students ask board to pilot card/contactless payments for school activities; board directs study and future agenda item

Board signals support for naming Newington High School stage after retiring educator Christopher Clark

Board approves amended 2025–26 school budget reconciliation after grant and line-item adjustments