The Wallingford Board of Education on May 29 approved a new institutional‑neutrality policy intended to keep district employees and representatives from taking official positions on issues not aligned with the school system’s mission.

Board members debated whether the guideline should be added to the district policy book or left as an unwritten practice before voting 5–3 to adopt the measure. The board’s vote followed an extended discussion in committee and at the full board about whether the policy is required by law or simply “good practice.”

Supporters said the written policy would make expectations clear for teachers and staff. "It wouldn't hurt to have a little back, something written out," said Mister Vato, chair of the policy committee, arguing that a formal statement helps teachers teach "how to think, not what to think." Superintendent Belizzi and administrators told the board the district already follows the practice in daily operations.

Opponents cautioned against accumulating policy entries for routine practices. Missus Reinis said she worried the district would begin adding policies for matters it already follows and preferred consistency with how similar items were handled. Doctor Reid moved to place the policy on the agenda for full board consideration; the motion was seconded and carried.

Administrator Missus Latour summarized the policy’s intent: "The gist is that in matters that are not aligned with the school's mission and vision ... anyone associated with Wallingford Public Schools remains neutral, in terms of their position." Latour said two related policies the committee reviewed—on undocumented students and on school security—are rooted in statute and thus the district already follows them, while institutional neutrality is a non‑statutory, recommended practice.

The board approved the policy by roll call: Mister Doring (yes); Missus Reyes (no); Doctor Reed (yes); Missus Regan (no); Mister Ross (no); Missus Versace (yes); Mister Votto (yes); Doctor Roscoe (yes). The chair declared the motion carried.

The policy document will be posted with the district’s policies; administrators said it will not change day‑to‑day practice but will serve as a written reference for staff and the public.

Board members said language edits could be considered later; Missus Regan and others asked for careful wording so elected board members retain the ability to speak as private citizens about matters beyond the school district’s mission.