MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Middletown Board of Education candidates at an Oct. 27 forum said they would prioritize resources for special education and social-emotional learning and support restrictions on in-class cell phone use as part of broader efforts to improve school climate and student supports.

When asked how they would support special education and student social-emotional well-being "given our current political climate," candidates urged more para staffing, professional development and community partnerships. "We need to give access to them," candidate Adam Hain said of special education students, adding that paras and special-education teachers need adequate resources. Another candidate noted state- and federal-level funding cuts and proposed contracting with local mental-health providers if district funds fall short.

On student voice, candidates said they would expand existing student representation and create more listening forums. "Authorship leads to ownership," Alex Cohen said, arguing the district should use student councils, advisory groups and other avenues to include nontraditional student perspectives.

Cell phones and classroom environment

A majority of candidates supported restricting phones in classrooms. Several endorsed keeping phones turned off and away during class time and cited reports of improved school climate since local restrictions were enacted. Some candidates said they were uncomfortable with physically locking phones in pouches; others named the Yondr system (branded pouches) as an acceptable tool to reduce distractions. One candidate noted the policy is administered at the state level and framed the local board’s role as implementation and oversight.

Why it matters: Candidates connected special-education staffing and social-emotional supports to student safety, daily learning and teacher retention. They presented a consensus that limiting phone use can improve classroom engagement and social interaction.

Clarifying details

- Multiple candidates said paras and special-education staff face high workloads and cited the district’s open PARA/PERA positions.
- Candidates referenced social-emotional curricula and local programs such as Choose Love and the Anna Grace Project as models to consider.
- Opinions varied on Yondr pouches: some supported them as a practical enforcement tool; others preferred alternatives such as turning phones off and storing them without pouches.

Speakers (selected)

- Adam Hain, candidate and educator
- Alex Cohen, candidate
- Chris Cardella, candidate
- Liz Crooks, candidate (former educator)
- Kim Reardon, candidate (math instructor)

Ending

Candidates framed staffing increases, professional development and strengthened school–community partnerships as near-term priorities for improving supports for students with disabilities and for social-emotional learning, and most said they would maintain or strengthen policies limiting phone use in classrooms.