Newtown BOE Reviews Facilities Projects, Adjusts 2026 Capital Plan

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Education focused on facility upgrades and long-term planning during its Sept. 3 meeting, approving adjustments to the 2026 capital improvement plan while reviewing recent summer projects across district schools.

Board Chair Alison Plante opened the session by welcoming faculty, staff and administrators back for the new academic year. She outlined upcoming meetings that will cover district goals, performance measures and budget preparations.

Superintendent Anne Uberti reported a smooth start to the school year despite some bus delays, which are being addressed with a new depot manager. She also said the district is exploring the possible installation of a weapons detection system at Newtown High School, with a decision expected later this month.

Summer Facilities Work

Facilities Director John Barlow detailed extensive summer maintenance, including roof repairs at Newtown High School and Head O’Meadow, new air conditioners and science lab stations at Newtown Middle School, playground equipment upgrades, and relocation of programs. He noted an issue with playground mulch at Middle Gate School will be corrected at no cost to the district, and fence line maintenance will be completed soon.

Board members asked for a detailed accounting of project costs and savings. Concerns were also raised about maintaining open spaces such as the moat at Sandy Hook School.

Capital Improvement Plan

The board reviewed the capital plan, with priority projects in 2027 including oil tank removals, parking lot work at Head O’Meadow, bathroom renovations at Middle Gate, and restoration of the high school pool. Some long-range items, including an Americans with Disabilities Act study, were postponed pending a facilities master plan.

Members unanimously approved a modification to the 2026 plan to add high school chiller and rooftop unit replacements, funded through a $2 million state reimbursement grant.

Policy Updates

The board approved several policy revisions, including those involving restorative practices. Uberti said administrators are trained in restorative approaches and related incidents are tracked in PowerSchool. Some non-mandated policies were rescinded, though indemnification for staff and volunteers remains in place under state statute.

Community Input

During public participation, resident Don Lococco raised concerns about potential immigration enforcement actions at schools and urged the board to consider state guidance on the matter.

The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.