The board ratified the FY2027–2031 capital improvement plan, discussed anticipated small capital ('drip') funds from the state, approved closeout of the O'Brien Elementary roof (to trigger a projected state reimbursement of about $1.2 million) and authorized a Pickett Elementary HVAC contract with B & G Mechanical ($713,723).
The East Hartford Board of Education on Dec. 15 approved a $106,213,941 FY2027 budget — a 1.9% increase over the prior year — and will transmit the proposal to the mayor and town council with a public presentation tentatively set for Feb. 28.
Superintendent Thomas Anderson briefed the board on a state legislative change to school‑climate rules, previewed implementation work with the Department of Education and described restorative practices as alternatives to suspension.
Student representative Haseen reported school holiday activities including a food drive (over 350 food items), a book drive raising 600+ books and concerts; the board also recognized teachers Rachel Pipke and speech‑language pathologist Gabrielle Elwood for classroom work.
In a brief recorded exchange, Carla Bedwell, identifying herself as an MAS coach, described supporting teachers and educational technology. An unidentified speaker outlined collaboration, data collection and next steps; Bedwell reported stress and said she had a negative experience.
Superintendent Thomas Anderson told the board the district hired about 37 new teachers, welcomed a new Woodland School principal and reported extensive summer facilities upgrades; he emphasized the district is not a party to bus-company negotiations and said staff are planning contingencies to avoid service interruptions.
The board approved the Head Start Self Assessment 2025 and accepted grants to fund a primary mental-health program (Friend to Friend at Silver Lane) and a Family Resource Center serving Silver Lane and Mayberry; staff described program scope, parent permission requirements and planned family-engagement activities.
The board received an RFP/ITB report covering fiscal-year awards (design work, janitorial supplies, routers, network and security testing) and voted to approve design services for district solar projects and a multi-year HVAC maintenance contract for all 18 district buildings.
The board approved completion acceptance and contract authorizations for abatement projects at Annie Norris Elementary and East Hartford Middle School (steam/steam tunnel work) and authorized a roof/HVAC replacement at East Hartford High School library and media center.
Staff provided an overview of state and district assessments, testing windows and how benchmark, formative and summative data feed curriculum and intervention decisions for grades 3–12.