Newtown Board of Education Approves Curriculum Revisions

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Education approved multiple curriculum and administrative measures at its June 10 meeting, including extending the contract of Superintendent Anne Uberti through June 2028.

During the meeting at the Council Chambers on Primrose Street, board members voted unanimously to renew Uberti’s contract and those of Assistant Superintendent Frank Purcaro and Director of Business Tanja Gouveia for an additional year. Uberti was also granted approval to carry over five vacation days, as provided in her existing contract.

The Board also unanimously authorized Uberti to hire a new principal for Middle Gate School using an alternative hiring procedure outlined in district policy.

Earlier in the session, the Board approved updates to the Newtown Public Schools Educator and Leader Evaluation and Support Plan, aligning it with state requirements. Discussion focused on accountability and implementation, with board members and administrators emphasizing the importance of teacher observations, professional development, and curriculum fidelity.

There is no mandate to tie student results into teacher goals, Purcaro noted. Uberti added that while accountability structures are shared broadly, there is not a direct accountability linked to individual performance metrics.

The Board also voted to renew its food services agreement with Chartwells for the 2025–26 school year, noting a standard 3.8 percent increase in management and administrative fees. Members raised questions about contract language and service scope but agreed the vendor has performed well.

In curriculum matters, new computer integration courses for grades five and six were introduced, as was a high school differential equations curriculum. Board members also reviewed a new Spanish I textbook and discussed future planning for integrating artificial intelligence in instruction. Purcaro noted that while students are already using AI, they need help to find what level of AI would be useful. She confirmed policies on academic dishonesty apply.

A grant application for the Connecticut Primary Mental Health Program at Sandy Hook Elementary was approved for the next two school years. The play-based program serves students in grades K–3 with behavioral and emotional needs and provided support for 38 children during the past school year. The district expects to receive $17,000 to $20,000 in state funding, supplemented by a $5,000 local match.

The Board also held a first reading on policies concerning school climate and annual audits, noting some aspects of state-mandated language may require legal review. While some members expressed concern over local control, Board Chair Alison Plante described the climate policy as reasonable and not controversial.

In response to community inquiries, the Board debated whether to shift the final day of school from Monday, June 16, to Friday, June 13. While the motion to modify the calendar failed due to lack of a second, members ultimately agreed to give parents discretion, with no penalty for absences on the final day.

The meeting concluded after a closed executive session to discuss contract matters and personnel evaluations. The session adjourned at 9:58 p.m.