Town Councilors voted to set up a meeting with Newport officials to discuss a Newport‑initiated resolution that would open a process toward school regionalization and the creation of an academic integration advisory group.

Newport’s resolution asked neighboring communities to appoint equal representation to an advisory commission, to prioritize use of certain reimbursement funds toward an endowment for educational programs, and to have municipal administrators consult on operational integration. Middletown school committee leaders have previously voted unanimously not to support the Newport proposal, citing unanswered questions on finances, governance, labor relations and academic integration.

Greg Hewitt, who spoke on behalf of the school committee at the council meeting, urged caution. “My concerns are that significant changes have occurred in both the Newport and Middletown school districts since the Newport voters rejected regionalization in 2022,” he said, and urged that questions on financial impact, academic impact and governance be resolved before moving to a ballot question.

Several councilors said they wanted conversations to proceed at the staff and governing‑body levels so both communities can develop clearer, mutually agreed proposals. Council President Rodricks proposed a meeting with Newport representatives and asked that the two councils attempt to resolve differences on management and governance before convening any broader advisory body focused on academics.

The motion to schedule discussions with Newport passed on a voice vote. Councilors emphasized the talks should be structured and limited to key decisionmakers so work can proceed without confusion; a timeline for meetings was not set during the session.