Preston BOE non-renews contracts of nine non-tenured teachers as part of budget process

At its March 10, 2025 meeting the Preston Board of Education voted to non-renew the contracts of nine non-tenured teachers, a step officials described as a routine part of the budget-setting process.

The motion, made under Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-151, listed the teachers as Zoe Geise, Rebecca McGlone, Jessica Bird, Katherine Stapleton, Danielle Sparaco, Marc Murray, Lisa England, Rachael Willey and Michela Keith. The board authorized Superintendent Dr. Roy Seitsinger to communicate the decision in writing and to respond on the board’s behalf to any hearing requests that may follow. The motion was moved by Nicole Serra and seconded by Deborah Burke-Grabarek and carried unanimously.

Board Chair Megan Gallant told the board the action is a normal component of preparing the district budget and said it is not the board’s hope that anyone will lose their job. “This action is a normal part of the budget process,” Gallant said.

Dr. Seitsinger described the affected teachers as "very professional" and said the district hopes the non-renewals will not ultimately affect their employment. He added that the superintendent’s office will handle notifications and any follow-up required by law.

Under the motion the superintendent was directed to indicate in any required hearing response that the hearing would be before the board of education. The board did not vote on individual appeals or hold hearings at the meeting; any such hearings would be scheduled separately if requested by the employees or their representatives.

The decision follows the district’s budget discussions; board members said the step was taken now so the district can finalize budget plans and communicate next steps to affected staff.