Wethersfield Board moves surplus to non‑lapsing fund, approves uniforms, course changes and hires construction manager

The Wethersfield Board of Education on May 12 voted unanimously to deposit unexpended 2024–25 operating funds into the district’s state‑authorized non‑lapsing account and to use funds from that account to replace Wethersfield High School’s marching band uniforms.

The board approved the initial deposit after members were told the year’s surplus is still unaudited and currently estimated by the business office at about $130,000. “We were fortunate enough to end the last school year with a surplus,” a board speaker said during discussion, adding the non‑lapsing account may not exceed 2 percent of the budget under Connecticut law.

The uniform purchase followed public comment by Samantha Khan, a town resident and Wethersfield graduate, who described repeatedly repairing worn uniforms and said, “Our students work incredibly hard. They deserve uniforms that match the level of commitment and excellence they bring to our program every single day.” Board members clarified that booster‑club fundraising will remain with the boosters and that the district contribution would cover the uniforms in full; the transcript contains a garbled figure for the dollar amount requested and did not provide a clear audited total.

In other business the board approved a package of course changes for Wethersfield High School intended to align offerings with college and Advanced Placement expectations. The board adopted AP Pre‑Calculus to replace honors pre‑calculus, approved Geometry I with a lab (increasing the earned credit to 1.3 to provide extra support), and approved several elective title and credit adjustments (for example, renaming a nutrition/food course to “Baking” and changing some credits to half‑year where appropriate). Board members said guidance staff reviewed the changes and do not expect the name changes to adversely affect college transcripts for elective courses.

The board also voted to approve the advisory building committee’s recommendation and select Downs Construction as construction manager for the school building project. Committee members praised all four finalists interviewed, saying each brought experienced teams and community engagement plans, and noted Downs’ local knowledge and competitive price as reasons for the recommendation. The board scheduled a community introduction to project partners on June 8 at the high school so residents can hear the project timeline and ask questions.

Votes at a glance: • Action 4A — Deposit unexpended 2024–25 operating funds into the board’s non‑lapsing account: Approved by roll call (9–0). The business director characterized the surplus as unaudited and estimated roughly $130,000. • Action 4B — Use non‑lapsing account funds for Wethersfield High School band uniforms: Approved by roll call (9–0). Transcript shows the exact dollar figure as garbled; audited amount not specified in the record. • Action 4C — Adopt new course proposals and catalog modifications for 2026–27 (AP Pre‑Calculus, Geometry I with lab, elective title/credit changes): Approved by roll call (9–0). • Construction manager selection — Approve Downs Construction as construction manager for the school building project: Approved by roll call (9–0).

What’s next: the board’s building advisory committee will host a community introduction to the school‑building partners and schedule (June 8 at the high school). The non‑lapsing deposit is subject to final audited figures; the district’s business office will report an audited total once the year‑end close is complete.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this report include Brooke Cooper (kid board chair, fifth‑grader), Samantha Khan (Wethersfield resident and parent), Mr. Culler (Hamner School music teacher), Janice (staff member involved with early‑childhood WET work), Amanda (board member and building committee member), and student representative Anushka Gandhi.