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Wallingford board approves 2026–27 calendar and accepts multiple retirements and leaves
Summary
At its Dec. 22 meeting the Wallingford Board of Education adopted the 2026–27 school calendar, approved a consent agenda, authorized multiple retirements effective June 30, 2026, and granted two leaves of absence; operations committee reported a reduced projected surplus and planned encumbrances from the 2% fund.
The Wallingford Board of Education on Dec. 22 approved routine business including adoption of the 2026–27 school calendar and a series of personnel motions.
Consent agenda and executive session Chair Dr. Roscoe moved to accept the consent agenda items 7.1–7.9; the motion was seconded and carried. The board then voted to enter executive session to discuss items 12.1–12.3; members returned to the public meeting after the executive session.
Retirements and personnel actions The board accepted a slate of retirements, all effective June 30, 2026, following individual motions and seconds. Employees whose retirements were approved included Michelle Syslo; Marla Puzielo; Shelly Acarulo; Pamela Grazioso; Jamie Hocking Ferron; Sharon Sorrentino; Deborah Flint; Louise Chapman; Christine Lang; Mary Kate Siter; and Cynthia Martin. The board noted the combined decades of service these employees provided to the district.
The board approved two leaves of absence without pay. A leave for Theresa Rocco was approved to run from the date read into the record through approximately April 30, 2026 (dates as stated in the record). A leave for Karen Luno was also approved for the period read aloud during the meeting.
Calendar adoption and operations update Mrs. Regan presented the operations committee report, saying the district’s current projected surplus is approximately $620,000, down from about $1.5 million, largely because of special-education tuition costs. Unencumbered funds from 2024–25 of $226,256 were moved into the district’s 2% fund. Planned encumbrances include repairs to the Lyman Hall long-jump/pole-vault runway for $51,565 and an upgrade to the Wallingford Public Schools phone system estimated at $135,000. Food services is running a deficit of about $60,000.
On the calendar, the board approved a 2026–27 calendar as presented. The record states teacher days are reduced to 186 and the student year is proposed at 182 days; the district said the change is expected to save roughly $54,000 in transportation and noncertified staff costs. The board also noted that up to seven days will be reserved at the end of the school year for snow days to avoid trimming April vacation.
Next steps and budget timeline Superintendent Belizzi said the district is preparing the FY 2026–27 budget and that a public budget presentation is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. The board announced swearing-in and a special board meeting on Jan. 5 and set its next regular meeting for Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (items 7.1–7.9): motion carried (audio record: board members responded "aye"). - Executive session (items 12.1–12.3): motion carried. - Retirements (listed above): each motion carried (audio record: board members responded "aye"). - Leaves of absence for Theresa Rocco and Karen Luno: motions carried. - Adoption of 2026–27 calendar: motion carried.
The board adjourned with holiday wishes to the community.
