East Haven board elects officers, approves $523,819.86 year‑end transfer and 2026–27 calendar
Summary
During the same meeting the board appointed Dr. DeLucia chair and approved a $523,819.86 2024–25 budget transfer and the 2026–27 meeting calendar; members also raised concerns about athletic stipends and staffing vacancies.
The East Haven Board of Education met Monday evening after a 6–12 workshop and moved through officer elections, finance items and district business.
Board members nominated and voted by ballot. Doctor DeLucia was elected board chair with seven votes and one abstention, Miss DePalma was elected vice chair (6 votes to 2), and Miss Santiago was elected board secretary (7 votes with one abstention), the board reported when the tallies were read aloud.
Later in the meeting the board approved a final 2024–25 budget transfer of $523,819.86 to close out the year and prepare accounts for audit. The chief operating officer said the largest portion of the transfer covered salary on‑costs and property services tied to HVAC repairs at the high school; the motion passed by roll call, 8–0.
The board also voted, 8–0, to adopt its 2026–27 meeting calendar, which includes scheduling adjustments for April to accommodate spring break and other municipal calendar conflicts.
Board members used the finance discussion to question several spending items and processes. Members pressed administration about a cluster of gift card and gift basket charges in the packet and asked for follow‑up. Several trustees questioned why the hockey program included three paid assistant coaches even when freshman teams were not in place for other sports; administrators said the level of supervision and limited ice time were factors and agreed to gather more detail about co‑op reimbursements and stipend equity for a future meeting.
The chief operating officer also briefed the board on human resources and vacancy accounting, explaining how timing of hires, vacancy savings, six‑period coverage and outsourcing for special‑education services translate into net on‑costs. The administration said year‑to‑date movement and outsourcing costs have generated roughly $50,000 in net on‑costs, and noted statewide shortages for roles such as school psychologists.
The board set its next meeting for Dec. 9 and invited agenda items by email.
Actions taken at the meeting are part of the public record; the board said it will follow up with more detail on selected invoices, athletic stipends and open POs at a future session.
