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Parents’ letters and a Facebook post raise questions about grade‑section changes at New Hartford schools
Summary
Board members reviewed multiple written communications about a proposed reduction from four second‑grade classrooms to three third‑grade classrooms and a Facebook request to remove political “likes” from district accounts; the superintendent said the current cohort shows no special education or behavior impacts and administrators monitor needs weekly.
Board members reviewed several communications from parents and community members during the March 24 special meeting regarding a proposed change in classroom configuration next school year.
The board’s meeting packet listed letters from families and residents expressing concern about the decrease from four second‑grade classrooms to three third‑grade classrooms and whether that change would affect students who have Individualized Education Programs or 504 plans. Superintendent Jeffrey Sousa said the administrative team meets weekly to monitor cohorts and that the current second‑grade cohort is not currently impacted by IEPs or 504 plans and shows no behavioral issues; Sousa added no intervention is needed at this time and that the cohort has responded well to recent literacy instruction.
The record also includes a Facebook communication from Marrit Budny asking that the district remove “likes” or “follows” of political representatives from the NHPS Facebook page so board‑affiliated accounts remain apolitical. The board reported action is in place to remove such markers and maintain political non‑affiliation in social media postings.
The communications are included as attachments to the meeting record; the agenda noted additional written submissions from Sara (Monroe) and Zach Marcus, Sarah Giordano, Sarah Allen, Eden Tycienski, Greta Lindquist‑Merlino and Rebecca Binney with dates in March 2026. The board did not take separate formal action on the classroom configuration during the special meeting.
