Newington parents oppose elimination of accelerated math classes at board meeting

Concerns over the elimination of accelerated math programs dominated the Newington Public Schools Board of Education meeting on June 11, 2025, as parents and students voiced their frustrations and fears about the impact on academic rigor and student opportunities.

Parents expressed deep disappointment over the decision to remove accelerated math for sixth graders, arguing that it undermines the educational needs of advanced students. One parent, a special educator, highlighted that accelerated math had been a critical component in preparing students for high school honors classes. "Accelerated math has been one of the few areas where he has truly been challenged," they stated, emphasizing the importance of such programs for students' academic trajectories.

Students also took the floor, passionately defending their experiences in accelerated math. Declan Kelleher, a sixth grader, shared, "This is one of the only classes where I have time to focus on my own learning instead of having to explain the curriculum to other kids." He argued that removing these opportunities would lead to boredom and disengagement among students who thrive in challenging environments.

Critics of the decision pointed to a lack of transparency and outdated data used to justify the changes. Parents noted that the information presented at a recent parent forum was not only old but also failed to accurately represent the current needs of students. "Data should be immediately removed from the record in any presentation regarding this proposal," one parent urged, calling for a pause on the initiative to allow for further evaluation.

The board's rationale for the changes, which included a focus on equity, was met with skepticism. Many argued that true equity means providing students with the challenges they need to succeed, rather than lowering standards for the sake of uniformity. "Equity does not mean that everyone receives the same thing," another parent asserted, stressing that taking away acceleration options is not a fair solution.

As the meeting concluded, the overwhelming sentiment among parents and students was a call for the board to reconsider its decision. They urged the board to take a step back, evaluate the implications of the changes, and ensure that all students receive the educational opportunities they deserve. The future of accelerated math in Newington remains uncertain, but the voices of concerned parents and students are making it clear that this issue is far from resolved.