Weston Board accepts donations, hires new principal, approves generator and discusses HVAC funding and school-climate policy

The Weston Board of Education conducted routine business at its March 17 meeting after an extended public-comment period. Board members approved several gifts and personnel actions, accepted the consent agenda, approved a financial update for February and authorized replacement of a failed backup generator at Weston Intermediate School.

Donations and gifts: The board accepted multiple PTO donations. Actions recorded in the meeting included acceptance of a $1,500 donation from the Weston Middle School PTO for an author visit; acceptance of two custom-logo entry rugs donated by the WISP PTO valued at $2,100; and formal approval of a $27,000 donation from the Weston Intermediate School PTO to create a WIS innovation lab in the former computer lab space. A later recognition item noted an additional $900 gift from WISP PTO for three school-distinction banners. All donation motions passed on voice votes.

Personnel and hiring: The board accepted resignations and a retirement notice in the consent agenda and approved four new hires. The board publicly acknowledged the upcoming retirement of Shelley McConnell at the end of the…