Superintendent to present "state of the schools" entry findings; finance committee flags budget pressure from student outplacements

The superintendent told the Wethersfield Board of Education he will present an "entry findings" report — a public "state of the schools" — in January after meeting with hundreds of students, staff, families and community members. He said his office is preparing a written report that will be available before the holiday break and presented at the board’s first January meeting.

In committee reports, the finance and operations committee chair said the district is currently over budget. Committee members attributed the shortfall primarily to five unexpected student outplacements this year, two of which involved expulsions. The committee discussed state excess cost reimbursement rates and special education grant opportunities and signaled plans to engage state representatives and senators about reimbursement and formula changes.

The committee also previewed early work on the upcoming budget cycle and a planned capital‑priority list for monitoring physical facilities. Separately, the building committee reported it has interviewed three architecture firms and expects to bring a recommendation to the board in January that would later go to town council for approval.

Board members raised procedural and record‑keeping items during the meeting: one member asked to be removed from an attendance listing for a prior meeting and the minutes were approved with that correction noted on the record.