Newtown BOE Approves Key Spending Measures, Names New Ass't Principal At Reed

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Education appointed a new assistant principal for Reed Intermediate School and approved several spending measures from its non-lapsing account during a special meeting on July 29.

Carla Tischio, a veteran educator with nearly 25 years of experience in the district, was unanimously approved as Reed’s new assistant principal. Tischio, who previously taught at Reed and most recently served as lead teacher at Hawley Elementary, was selected from a pool of 150 applicants.

Superintendent Anne Uberti praised Tischio’s institutional knowledge, leadership skills, and commitment to continuous improvement. "Her return to Reed in a leadership position is both fitting and well earned," Uberti said.

In other business, the board authorized up to $60,000 from the district’s non-lapsing account to purchase 50 window unit air conditioners for Newtown Middle School. According to Director of Business and Finance Tanja Gouveia, the estimated cost covers units for classrooms and other areas, with the remaining funds allocated for ancillary costs, including the increased electrical load. Board members noted the urgency of completing the installations before the start of the school year.

The board also approved $14,913 to purchase seven FrontLine time clocks for locations that lack Chromebooks. The new devices are part of a transition from the district’s previous Novatime system.

Another motion authorized hiring an external advisor at a cost of up to $30,000 to review operational efficiencies and technology use in the Human Resources and Finance departments. Gouveia explained the review was necessary due to recent staff reductions and increased workloads, particularly in HR, which now operates with only two employees.

Uberti called it a good opportunity for a set of "outside eyes," noting the added strain caused by the unionization of additional employee groups.

Gouveia said one firm, CLA (formerly BlumShapiro), submitted a $28,500 proposal and has prior experience with both the district and town. She plans to interview additional firms and evaluate their qualifications in public education.

The meeting concluded without public comment and adjourned at 6:23 p.m.