[{"_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",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6182589,"mediaKeyId","5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65","parentId",5103529,"title","Middletown board rejects proposed budget mitigation after hours of public comment on staffing cuts","audioSeconds",4521,"startMs",3365000,"endMs",7886000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65&start=3365&end=7886","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65/thumbnail_3365000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6182589/Connecticut/Middletown-board-rejects-proposed-budget-mitigation-after-hours-of-public-comment-on-staffing-cuts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182589-b71fb2d3a41f3f898c0b6b444dce71c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770621439&Signature=DEQfOwt5rSw7BaD1H6CjoUl3VeQT4YZjA3HPvwRi9~Vd-jtQ~JILSC2J208LqVG7ne~yAoUcmnup8rlia7rqsSkRq0cm4T~qj9L12EhfQVU-Q8cXQaiWRtYn4z2np~FqNH2KOKSKQk2WsT8npKas-WSaeSUD~DzzQKmZCYu6xptEJugDKd83usCmoNqPrh-i7SRUBfa~ZvpXsd577-kbv0NNZaL8GYqo6TgCspC--B343YjiuzpQrQiueR3JZqBCDpwTdncsQk0QHyAzTHNcpMzh95i6AAv9MJNwQnI4i-Q7Va2VDzLqvzaizZdDGg-7F3o4bvNH5iTi50reCXBEhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Middletown School District ","date","2025-06-18T04:50:48Z","article","The Middletown Board of Education voted down a proposed budget mitigation plan on June 17 after a long public session in which parents, students and staff urged the board to preserve STEM, special-education and career-technical positions.

The board had been presented with a mitigation package intended to close a $2,216,666 shortfall created by a reduced municipal contribution and falling one-time federal funds. Natalie Forbes, the district’s executive director of finance, told the board the district was showing a modest surplus for 2024–25 but faced “pain points” in certified and classified salaries, substitute services and out-of-district special-education tuition that together drove the need for reductions.

Forbes said the district has seen large, unexpected costs in certified sick leave and in contracted services for psychologists and speech-language pathologists. “We are looking at creative ways,” she said, referring to plans such as a proposed Legacy Academy designed to bring some students back in district and reduce out-of-district tuition and transport costs.

But the public comment period that preceded the vote was dominated by appeals to spare teaching and support positions. Dozens of parents, students and educators rose to oppose cuts at McDonough Elementary, where a STEM coach and an extension STEAM teacher were on the list for elimination. “It’s not fair or sustainable to expect the remaining staff to take on the 60-plus students we worked with weekly,” said former staffer Valerie Zimmer during public comment, urging the board to “restore the SEL and SES positions at Beaman and Middletown High.”

Students and parents described hands-on projects, competitions and mentorship that they said would disappear if positions were cut. “Cutting the STEM program and our STEAM coach position isn’t just cutting a budget line,” said student Anila Shokumbi. “It is cutting potentials.” Retired STEM teacher John Ferrero and classroom teachers described daily duties performed by the coach and extension teacher that they said kept makerspace, invention convention and science-fair work running at McDonough.

Separately, community members urged the board not to eliminate a manufacturing position at Middletown High School, citing industry certifications, HAAS scholarship pathways and local employer demand. A parent and community member who identified herself as Kate told the board that “eliminating this position would force students into fewer opportunities and potentially overcrowd other STEM courses.”

A motion to adopt the mitigation plan was moved and seconded and debated. After discussion and a roll-call vote, the board rejected the mitigation proposal.

The meeting also included routine business and other actions: board members voted to approve a schedule change and course addition (UConn early-college discrete math), approved personnel appointments and recognitions, and held an executive session to conduct the superintendent’s evaluation. A subsequent motion to extend the superintendent’s contract did not carry.

The board left open the possibility of further action: multiple board members said they want additional workshops to review central-office roles and the district’s administrative structure before making further staffing decisions. Finance staff said they would continue pursuing grants and program changes intended to reduce special-education out-of-district tuition and other high-cost items.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to adopt agenda as amended (deleted several items for this meeting): carried.
- Motion to pull item 12b (Board of Education evaluation) to executive session: carried.
- Motion to approve the budget mitigation package to close $2,216,666 gap: failed (see transcript roll call).
- Motion to approve UConn discrete math as a course option (early college experience): carried.
- Motion to extend the superintendent’s contract (add one year to make a three-year term): failed.

What happens next
Board members and administrators said they plan follow-up workshops and additional financial analysis. The administration pointed to ongoing grant work and the proposed Legacy Academy as avenues to reduce special-education tuition and transport costs in future years. District finance officials said they would return with additional details and scenarios.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular BOE Meeting - June 17th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Middletown Board of Education voted down a proposed budget mitigation plan on June 17 after a long public session in which parents, students and staff urged the board to preserve STEM, special-education and career-technical positions.","taxTitle","Middletown School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",58072,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6182569,"Board approves UConn discrete math as optional early-college course",53,16816000,16869000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65&start=16816&end=16869","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65/thumbnail_16816000.jpg","/articles/6182569/Connecticut/Board-approves-UConn-discrete-math-as-optional-early-college-course","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182569-a4296571caeaa04041d994e5dae28759/orig.mp4?Expires=1770621439&Signature=IFefOB5xHicR1CzYsi0BUWiZDCdbZdVlCsUR7yyZs6DHkk1nYg5OminyCqcEmWm6SdhBuUskoNaelDJhbNr2hPxWmfo34h~dDXUW3pf~EFsZO5Y7s2LaaPVFrBexTGUh6XNb5iLtvZLC0rQItCcsyeGZQ-0dTgjxkfw8Cnw~17b1IFdz9u41E0CfurmH~DhMPA0JA3m223dBEgTRPFk6wScwYcUqrbhVkGxwBj388HFxatNrOPSDBdvfzVOVXGAYIDaTRUrfWLJLesJurjRsqZawrmuPSy2AAWEZxRj~f9h46jUqHrorQgroM65homc6SQlXNgALTIEvRdyLO3RcWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middletown Board of Education voted to add an early-college discrete math course, offered through the University of Connecticut’s Early College Experience program, as an optional high-school class.

District presenters said the class is appropriate for students who have completed Algebra II and is intended to broaden higher-math options rather than replace existing pathways. “It is taught by our teacher who is also an adjunct professor for UConn,” the presenter said during the curriculum committee discussion.

Board members confirmed the course will be an option, not a prerequisite for other classes, and directed staff to add the course to the master schedule and complete necessary UConn enrollment steps during summer planning.

Ending
Administrators will finalize scheduling and report course enrollment in the fall.","The board approved a UConn early-college discrete math course for Middletown High School; the course is optional and not a district prerequisite.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_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":74,"_75":74},6182574,"Board names new principals and assistant principals, honors retirees and TEAM completers",0,2900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65&start=2900&end=2900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65/thumbnail_2900000.jpg","/articles/6182574/Connecticut/Board-names-new-principals-and-assistant-principals-honors-retirees-and-TEAM-completers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182574-d841dfcefd55f90d6c114bfcd9aeef7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770621439&Signature=e65X-7Y5VIX-lNxtJSerTSsmKMpvSrptvBN3nBf5~8G4Yea0PqN14t89l~miW9z3KE2Ye~D3Yhour3aNwsp-pB-2zIkFeqrr0iSc9ku~apd9msXYPOppWdZvhr7N4JhgXqB7o9IZvd9M3J9EpozWoPQ5mEruHsvG4GJB47SJA1Cfz0pKSG9gQDQIz6xz3mJSASkjZI5zdXarTvE5QX0~rYFegxGK5muEk1CfGgd3nbANmtM-SeXUsIr2qcLPuCO~3mVKz~5zIpaQEIgoJ66DslPs~QG6MUEevB8UjAv4PAEZTo39cb4a-UUpSDSYkAiPzyPyJj3pMlzuD07tKbfxPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middletown Board of Education opened its June 17 meeting with a series of district recognitions and personnel announcements.

Doctor Vasquez Matos introduced Alicia Carter as the new principal of Wesley Elementary School for the 2025–26 school year. Matos and Carter detailed Carter’s 27 years of experience in the district and her leadership roles, including interim principal and blended-learning coach. “We are confident that her deep understanding of elementary education coupled with her proven leadership will be an incredible asset,” Vasquez Matos said.

The board also announced the appointment of Meg Hanley as assistant principal at Beaman Middle School and recognized championships and spring-season accomplishments in athletics, including state-level success for the ultimate Frisbee team.

The board recognized 10 teachers who completed the state-mandated TEAM (Teacher Education and Mentoring) program and honored a list of 2025 retirees for their years of service to district schools.

In other personnel news, board members approved a UConn discrete-math early-college course for the high school as an additional option for students.

Ending
Administrators said new hires will be introduced to school communities over the summer and that the district will share more details about the 2025–26 instructional year in August.","The board announced personnel appointments for next school year, recognized retirees and teacher-mentoring (TEAM) program completers, and heard athletics and achievement highlights in a district update.",{"_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":74,"_75":74},6182579,"Middletown parents, industry supporters warn against cutting high school manufacturing program",246,4166000,4412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65&start=4166&end=4412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65/thumbnail_4166000.jpg","/articles/6182579/Connecticut/Middletown-parents-industry-supporters-warn-against-cutting-high-school-manufacturing-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182579-14c0ea1dbc7bbbfe8ab94a16ffb28407/orig.mp4?Expires=1770621439&Signature=MQ-oFZ4OfCOPYcbjq~eJUXeVIH5Q6ufc2jXG249-L56gH7NaXZlAc03HmL8f1F0IvY4RBv~Ti3XJIeGHf1Yz~DpLHV-0SvG4kVLe8avKMiVvts1vbBFSwUHsjUOPOFpNOum1hjYh8wNimTR2buET9ParpyZ8Gs1KaiGQg~QXE8GQ8lyIVHFu7sAtAtLESNSDBlLD0vQx3b6xbwUZGNo75YfgqCuzrW4Gq~~Rpt6AVchIppoqNCEDpoNsouMUefRLV11u6lqMh9jVfu5hjjH7XLvOZHAzNNY4aaEhiJzsSxfil3f5vyjHa5i-y7vJdOiDN3N2J07P82~jgkIvj5W3NA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several community members urged the Middletown Board of Education not to eliminate the manufacturing teacher position at Middletown High School during the June 17 meeting.

Speakers described the program’s industry-aligned curriculum, HAAS scholarship opportunities and hands-on credentials that local employers seek. “Manufacturing careers today offer competitive salaries often starting at $60,000 or more,” a community commenter told the board, urging reconsideration of the proposed cut.

Commenters said the district has invested in industry-standard equipment and that removing the teacher while leaving the equipment in place would be poor stewardship. They also described strong ties to state officials: the program has drawn visits from high-level state leaders, they said, and those endorsements signaled the program’s local importance.

District staff said enrollment and scheduling pressures were factors in the decision and suggested a reimagining of program use: the aerospace teacher on staff would continue to teach multiple related courses, and the facility could be used for guest-industry trainings and for Legacy Academy students if scheduling and staffing were redesigned.

Community speakers pushed for a renewed outreach campaign to increase enrollment in manufacturing options and to reconnect with local firms for training partnerships. Board members asked administrators for enrollment data and said they would consider alternatives as the budget debate continues.

Ending
Speakers asked the board to revisit the proposed cut and to prioritize meeting local workforce needs when final staffing decisions are made.","Parents, students and community members told the board that eliminating a manufacturing teacher at Middletown High would remove industry certification pathways, undercut regional workforce needs and waste recent equipment investments.",{"_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":74,"_75":74},6182584,"Parents, students and teachers urge board to keep McDonough STEM coach and extension teacher",2888,1698000,4586000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65&start=1698&end=4586","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5103529-6dad22190c7f1e9eb0594bdd346ffb65/thumbnail_1698000.jpg","/articles/6182584/Connecticut/Parents-students-and-teachers-urge-board-to-keep-McDonough-STEM-coach-and-extension-teacher","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182584-a28aa8aad1d64a931dd08e14d01ca3c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770621439&Signature=C2F9aoVogiDo-ER5~e4OxI0eS1xBJp5p7gX2-BmTJxzyjGGaIAWf36smStaRKKLK6lJDgkTvEHLymCyfAmZRHskO0jVS5-MiZpYxNUChshF~Mm442eU0tYXfW9bM1F-eEaAfu3bqC2mtqRfkeDAOuP5SHgAU4WL4YfhQoQxNqTwl9TUObF648tJHtZu4sur0mD427VYd3~7x6szki5Cu8fr9GsIac7RVz0CoFl4y4XTFnNXKouTY~F3yIO8m1rcexEWHEx9WlnSavWkXCjcdxdQMxhObdyZRu0ELNl08XAiOBFv9VxQepqMBZ~ymcsHrQHqMa4BEzrPb3QQXBXsDSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of speakers at the June 17 Middletown Board of Education meeting urged the district to keep McDonough Elementary School’s STEM coach and STEM extension teacher after the administration included those positions in a list of potential reductions.

Parents and students described small-group, project-based instruction, invention fairs, robotics and STEM extension activities that they said have improved critical thinking and engagement. “This program made my older son, who was previously extremely bored with school, actually enjoy school and want to go every day,” parent Becky Fiquero said during public comment.

Several current and former McDonough staff described the day-to-day work of the coach and extension teacher. “She was in my classroom on a regular basis,” said fifth-grade teacher Jackie Goodrich, describing support with project-based learning, assemblies and science fair work. Retired STEM extension teacher John Ferrero said the program, started in 2015, was built to give “each student what they need,” and that eliminating the positions would remove institutional knowledge and daily project supports.

Students in the TAG (talented and gifted) program also spoke. Fifth-grader Jackson Powwow said the program “helped us be more creative and productive,” and another student, Angelina, described specific activities: “We pushed through Math Olympiad, worked together in the stock market game,” she said.

District leaders told the board that McDonough would remain designated a STEM academy and that Project Lead The Way (PLTW) would be the district’s selected platform for an updated science and engineering curriculum. Rebecca Diot, who supports PLTW implementation in other district schools, said PLTW provides teacher training, bilingual resources and a three-year onboarding process. Superintendent Vasquez Matos said PLTW funding opportunities and existing grant work could be used to support implementation.

Parents requested clearer data on science scores and an explanation of the timing and communication behind staff notices. “Why were the STEM coach and teacher given notice of a layoff prior to the budget being voted on?” parent Paige McMullen asked.

Board members and administrators said they would continue discussion: the board rejected the district’s mitigation plan and asked staff to return with revised proposals and grant updates. District leaders said Rebecca Diot would spend three days a week at McDonough during launch, and that PLTW offers extensive teacher support and external grant opportunities.

Ending
Parents and students said they would press the board and city leaders for alternatives before final staffing decisions are made for the coming school year.","Dozens of parents, students and staff asked the board to reverse proposed cuts to McDonough School’s STEM coach and STEM extension teacher, saying hands-on, project-based learning and TAG enrichment would be curtailed without them.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Middletown board rejects proposed budget mitigation after hours of public comment on staffing cuts

Board approves UConn discrete math as optional early-college course

Board names new principals and assistant principals, honors retirees and TEAM completers

Middletown parents, industry supporters warn against cutting high school manufacturing program

Parents, students and teachers urge board to keep McDonough STEM coach and extension teacher