Ansonia Board approves budget transfer, accepts expulsions recommendations; hears NEASC, special-education updates

ANSONIA, Conn. — The Ansonia Board of Education on Nov. 19 approved a routine budget transfer and accepted the superintendent's recommendations on student expulsions after an executive session, then received a series of informational reports on accreditation, special education, facilities and student activities.

Weston Ahearn, Ansonia High School student representative, told the board about recent student events and fundraisers, saying, "the game was a fundraiser for the senior class; there were over 400 in attendance." Ahearn also summarized the Homecoming dance, canned-food and toy drives and Manufacturing Pathway Month guest speakers and field trips.

Assistant Superintendent Mr. Bergin said the high school's NEASC collaborative conference visit "went incredibly well, meeting seven out of the eight areas," and staff are preparing for the next visit in 2027. Special Education Director Nicole Fenech reported on caseload fluctuations, increased staff training and the district's plan to form an Early Childhood Assessment Team to better evaluate students' needs; she said returning a student from an outplacement has reduced costs for the district and acknowledged that "there can be" parental pushback when services are changed, which staff address through education and outreach.

School Business Administrator Mr. Marriott presented a bookkeeping budget transfer and asked the board to approve it; trustees voted to approve the transfer. Mr. Marriott noted that Special Education line items remain negative until the state's Excess Cost reimbursement is received and said he is preparing transportation and health-care estimates for the next budget year.

Facilities Director Mr. Evans reported that the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) closed a fuel-spill case at the high school; he also described tree removals for safety, state approval of new hot-water heaters, work with the city to restore the high-school generator, modular-classroom flooring replacement plans, and recent repairs to a heating system at Prendergast and a sewer problem at Mead.

Other routine reports were presented: Food Service Director Mr. Benham said reimbursement funds will need to be spent by January and described planned equipment replacements; Athletic Director Mr. Brockett's report was reviewed and members were invited to send questions by email; Youth Family Outreach Coordinator Mr. Lisi described a busy October; and Dr. Morales summarized communications and community-engagement work, including Valley United Way Youth Leadership planning and attendance at ACES Family Engagement events.

Superintendent DiBacco thanked departing board member Tracey DeLibero and acknowledged Chief Williams and SRO Mike Barry for their work on the district's hazards plan. DiBacco said he is pursuing partnerships to expand dual-enrollment and pathway programs and described a meeting with Quinnipiac University about a potential Student Promises arrangement that, if developed, would provide tuition opportunities for Ansonia students. He also said the district will host Elected Official Days to let officials tour buildings and hear directly from students.

Votes at a glance - Approve meeting minutes (Oct. 8, Oct. 27): 4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain — motion carried. - Approve budget transfer (bookkeeping correction): 4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain — motion carried. - Enter executive session regarding expulsions: 4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain — motion carried. - Accept superintendent's recommendations on expulsions (post-executive session): 4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain — motion carried. - Adjourn meeting: 4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain — motion carried.

The board convened an executive session to discuss expulsions; student-identifying details and deliberations from that session are not part of the public record. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.