The board voted to recommend construction of a new Kelly Elementary School and a South End build-out as Phase 1, and separately approved recommending roof replacements (Hatton, Strong, Thalberg) to avoid ballot competition. Members debated timing (May 2026 vs. November 2025) and emphasized that the board's action is a recommendation to the town council, not final bonding or referendum scheduling.
Student members of Team 195, the CyberNights, told the Southington Board of Education they won the New England District Impact Award (from about 200 teams), described extensive STEAM outreach and training, and demonstrated their robot at the May 8 meeting.
After hours of public comment, the Southington Board of Education voted 8–1 on Feb. 19 to adopt a two-phase master facilities plan (scenario D2) that would build a new Kelly Elementary and expand South End in phase 1 and proposes a future phase 2 to rebuild Daronofsky and add a Karen Smith Academy; district and state reimbursement estimates and a June referendum were discussed.
The Board honored student artist Brianna Moose, approved three out-of-state field trips, adopted revised high school job descriptions and approved roof project education specifications for Hatton, Strong and Thalberg during its Feb. 19 meeting.
After a lengthy debate about special-education staffing, transportation and insurance, the board approved an amended 2026–27 operating budget that moves four nexus-funded special-education teachers back to nexus tuition funding while retaining a proposed social worker; minutes record a 7–2 vote in favor.
Board members reviewed ‘scenario D2’ — a phased plan to build Kelly and South End, seek a 50% state reimbursement and plan future phases so the grant application and referendum align. The board deferred action and will revisit the plan on Feb. 19.
The Southington Board of Education voted to appoint Amy Aresco as director of pupil services effective Feb. 6, 2026, at an annual salary of $179,689. Aresco thanked the board and said she looks forward to partnering with families and school teams.
Administrators told the board the district buys three memberships (about 543 days) at the Farmington Valley Diagnostic Center through CREC to provide short‑term diagnostic placements; presenters said the program stabilizes students and can be less expensive than out‑of‑district tuition, but transportation costs and comparative district spending remain important variables.
The Southington Board of Education heard a presentation on district plans to introduce controlled AI tools (Brisk, Magic School AI) with teacher supervision, digital‑citizenship training, and a one‑time software budget increase of $32,724; administrators said they will monitor renewals and usage to control future cost growth.
District staff reported rising recorded incidents that involve crisis response and social‑work support (595 recorded incidents in FY24–25; 207 had social‑worker lead), and administration urged clearer workload quantification to justify additional social‑worker FTEs in the proposed budget.
