Newtown BOE Subcommittees Advance Curriculum Updates, Propose Policy Changes And Rescissions

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Education’s Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee and Policy Sub-Committee each advanced key proposals during separate meetings held June 3 at Reed Intermediate School.

The Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee voted to recommend a new computer integrations curriculum for Reed’s fifth and sixth grades. Computer teacher Michael Corvello presented the program, which includes a focus on responsible use of technology and potential guidance around artificial intelligence. District officials indicated that a policy on AI is in development and will include data privacy education.

Gene Hall, chair of the high school math department, introduced a new Differential Equations course for Newtown High School, which was also recommended to the full Board. In addition, the subcommittee endorsed a new Spanish I resource for the middle and high schools. The textbook replacement, titled Reporteros, is needed due to the closure of the previous publisher.

Board member John Vouros asked about the status of specialized Spanish offerings. Superintendent Kimberly Longobucco confirmed that medical and business Spanish courses exist but have not drawn sufficient student interest to be offered.

All curriculum recommendations were approved unanimously and will move forward to the full Board for review.

Later that evening, the Policy Sub-Committee, led by Doria Linnetz, reviewed several items, including a state-mandated school climate policy (Policy 5137) developed by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE). Superintendent Anne Uberti said legal firm Shipman & Goodwin assisted with aligning the policy to local practices. Once finalized, the district will adopt state-created surveys and provide staff training.

The committee also reviewed and updated Policy 3434 on audits, agreeing to maintain the policy with edits.

In a broad effort to streamline the district’s policy catalog, the subcommittee recommended rescinding 18 non-mandated policies. These included outdated or operational items such as guidelines for playground equipment, asbestos control, recycling, and data management. Uberti said many of these responsibilities now fall under the superintendent’s authority or are already addressed by other regulations.

Both policies for first reading and the list of policies recommended for rescission will be sent to the full Board for consideration.