Newington Board of Education approves healthy food certification for 2025-2026

The Newington Board of Education convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss various topics concerning the district's educational programs and operational updates. The meeting began with a presentation highlighting the growth of the district's program, which has expanded from 60 students in the 2019-2020 school year to a projected 220 students for the upcoming year. This increase is expected to generate nearly half a million dollars in pre-kindergarten tuition, aiding in offsetting costs.

Superintendent Dr. Bremer emphasized the importance of accountability and collaboration among school principals, who meet three times a year to discuss progress on school improvement plans. The board was informed of recent leadership changes within the district, which have reportedly led to positive outcomes in school performance.

The meeting also addressed the district's efforts to secure grant funding, with projections nearing $3 million for the next year. Dr. Bremer noted that the Wallace project is coming in under budget, with a strong reimbursement rate, and a presentation on this project is scheduled for the next board meeting.

In terms of community engagement, Dr. Bremer mentioned collaborations with local stakeholders, including a new opportunity to interface with the Southfield Children's Center, enhancing connections with community pre-kindergarten programs.

The board discussed the upcoming survey data related to school climate, which is expected to be analyzed and presented at the next meeting. Dr. Bremer clarified that the state has adjusted the timeline for the survey, allowing the district to proceed with a different survey in the meantime.

During the meeting, board members raised questions regarding academic benchmarks, particularly the rationale behind setting an 80% benchmark for math and reading proficiency. Dr. Bremer explained that while the goal is for all students to exceed this benchmark, the 80% figure is based on research indicating that it reflects effective tier 1 curriculum performance.

The board also reviewed the status of Early College Experience (ECE) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, noting high enrollment and interest levels. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that students have access to these courses, with plans to add more sections as needed.

In new business, the board addressed the annual healthy food certification, which is crucial for maximizing reimbursement for the district's meal programs. The board unanimously approved the certification, ensuring compliance with Connecticut Nutrition Standards for the upcoming school year. Additionally, they approved a motion allowing the sale of non-compliant food items during specific events, provided certain conditions are met.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to educational growth, community collaboration, and adherence to state regulations, with a focus on continuous improvement and accountability. The next board meeting is anticipated to further explore these initiatives and review additional data.