Newtown BOE Names Middle Gate Principal, Debates Weapons Detection System

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Education on July 8 unanimously approved the appointment of Jenna Connors as principal of Middle Gate Elementary School and voted to conditionally accept a donation for a weapons detection system at Newtown High School, prompting debate among board members over school safety and student well-being.

Connors, who had been serving as interim principal, previously worked in the district as a math specialist, lead teacher at Hawley Elementary, and assistant principal at Reed Intermediate. Board members praised her experience and leadership in the school community.

The meeting’s most contentious item involved a proposal by the Sandy Hook School Foundation to fund the installation of a weapons detection system at the high school. The Foundation, which is in the process of disbursing its remaining funds, offered the system as a gift in alignment with its mission to support physical and emotional well-being in the district.

Anne Uberti explained that the proposal was vetted by the district's safety and security committee, which includes school and town officials. She emphasized that accepting the donation would initiate a detailed implementation review, with the option to decline the gift if deemed unsuitable.

The proposal sparked debate among board members. Some, including board member Shannon Tomai, raised concerns about potential negative mental health effects on students, citing research linking metal detectors to increased anxiety and a diminished sense of safety. Others, such as board member Brian Leonardi, argued the system could enhance security in response to past school violence incidents.

After extended discussion, the board voted 5-2 to accept the gift, with the condition that a detailed implementation plan—including public input, an assessment of mental health impacts, and consideration of alternatives—be presented for board approval by Oct. 7.

The board also approved several curriculum and policy updates, including the adoption of a Spanish I textbook, a computer integration curriculum for grades 5 and 6, and a differential equations curriculum. Policies on school climate and annual audits were also approved, and 18 outdated policies were rescinded.

Additionally, the board voted to set tuition for the 2025–26 school year at $24,000, a slight reduction from an initially proposed increase. The adjustment followed discussion about cost calculations and employee benefits.

Uberti also reported progress on HVAC issues at the high school and highlighted the success of the district’s composting initiative, which has saved approximately $25,000 in hauling costs.

The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.