Resident raises potential election communication violation over school 'digital backpack'

At the June 1 meeting of the Willington Board of Selectmen, residents pressed town leaders to investigate what one called a potentially non‑neutral school communication sent through a so‑called "digital backpack" during a pending budget referendum. "The board of education's May 14th communication should have complied with restrictions contained to Connecticut General Statutes 9 TAC 369 Bravo," a resident identified as Nell of Myrtle Road told the board, citing the rule by name and saying the message "presented one side of the issue and highlighted the negative consequences associated with a failed vote."

First selectman Mike told the board he had been contacted privately by a resident who said they filed a complaint with the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEC). "If the resident did in fact file the complaint with the SEC, then I'm sure they'll get the official answer," Mike said, describing his knowledge as limited and saying the selectmen would allow the SEC process to proceed.

Other residents said the disputed message had circulated on social media and that town officials had been informed. Nick Tella of Myrtle Road raised concern earlier in the meeting about the same communication and asked whether town and school messages were reaching all residents "or only parents and guardians of students."

Speakers argued the timing and content mattered because the message included voter‑participation data and described potential staffing and program reductions if a referendum failed. Nell asked the board to take the concerns seriously and to ensure future public communications remain "neutral, fair, and equal." She stopped short of accusing specific officials and said the SEC was the appropriate venue for any formal determination.

The board did not take a formal vote or issue a directive at the meeting; Mike said he would follow typical processes and review any formal filings that the SEC forwarded to the town.