Middletown board tables SRO contract, adopts accounting policy and approves emergency electrical work and wage change
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Summary
Board members approved several operational items — adopting a compensated-absences accounting policy and authorizing emergency electrical replacement at the high school — while tabling the school resource officer contract for further clarification; the board also approved change orders and adjusted the district minimum wage to $16 per hour effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The Middletown City School District board moved through a series of operational items on Dec. 11, approving facilities work, a new accounting policy and a district minimum-wage change while postponing a school resource officer agreement.
School resource officer contract: Trustees questioned approving the school resource officer (SRO) agreement for the 2026–27 year before the district budget for that year is finalized. Trustee questioning emphasized that signing a multi-year contract prior to voter-approved budgets raises fiscal concerns; Doctor Norville O’Connell said the district prefers to lock rates now so the proposed budget accurately reflects expected expenditures, adding that the rate had changed only by about $2. After discussion the board agreed to table the SRO item pending clarification with the city/police department about holding rates until budget approval.
Emergency electrical replacement at Middletown High School: Facilities staff reported a Thanksgiving electrical failure that left the replacement work at high priority. The board approved a resolution authorizing emergency replacement of the high school’s electrical service entrance, enabling procurement to begin immediately; facilities staff said equipment could take eight to 10 months to build and described a backup plan if further failure occurs.
Change orders and county agreement: The board approved five change orders related to Twin Towers (septic/trap-line work, window caulking and exterior trim, winter protection enclosures and heating) and approved a memorandum of agreement with Orange County for school mapping services provided by Critical Response Group.
Policy adoption and wage change: The board’s policy committee recommended waiving two readings and adopting an employee compensated-absences accounting policy to standardize reporting under GASB 101; trustees adopted the policy and will assign a policy number when the manual is updated. The board also approved updating the district minimum wage; although there was a paper/presentation discrepancy ($16.60 vs $16.00), the board approved $16 per hour effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Votes at a glance: The meeting record shows the board rejected an attempt to amend the agenda (three yes, four no). Other approval votes (personnel memos, change orders, MOA with county, emergency electrical resolution, policy adoption, minimum wage) passed by voice or roll call as recorded in the minutes; the SRO financial memorandum item was tabled for further clarification.
Next steps: The district will follow up with the police/city on rate-holding for the SRO contract and will proceed with procurement for emergency electrical replacement now that authorization is granted.