Easton BoE Deadlocks On Chair Vote, Approves Social Studies Curriculum And Math Review

EASTON, CT — The Easton Board of Education was unable to elect a new chair last week after three tied paper-ballot votes, prompting the board to postpone the decision.

The board convened at 7:01 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Helen Keller Middle School, where members nominated Devon Wible and Jeffrey Parker for the position. After both candidates delivered brief remarks, the board repeated the vote two more times with identical results. Under state statute, if the board cannot choose a chair within 30 days, the Easton Board of Selectmen will make the appointment.

Members approved the Oct. 14 meeting minutes 4-0-2, with two members abstaining because they had not yet joined the board at that time.

Parents Raise Concerns on Second Grade, Screen Time

Two parents from Samuel Staples Elementary School raised concerns about classroom behavior, class size and increased computer use during “What I Need,” or WIN time. Several board members echoed concerns about screen time and asked for more information on second-grade classroom needs.

Superintendent Jason McKinnon said the administration will review enrollment, class composition and staffing as it develops next year’s budget. He noted there are 100 second graders and that class sizes of about 20 students align with District Reference Group averages. The district has 16 paraeducators, up from nine budgeted, and 13 behavior technicians, slightly more than planned.

Finance and Budget Planning

Assistant Superintendent Sara Scrofani said the district is awaiting updated figures for its health benefits and budget summaries as preparations begin for the 2026–27 budget cycle.

Parker reported that the Board of Finance has requested a 10-year summary of school maintenance costs. A follow-up meeting with finance officials was scheduled for Nov. 12.

Board Actions: Meeting Schedule, Restorative Practices, Curriculum

The board unanimously approved its 2026 meeting calendar, including an early start time for its Feb. 10 meeting.

Members then voted 6-0 to adopt a Restorative Practices Policy previously approved by the Redding Board of Education.

A new K–8 social studies curriculum was approved 5-0-1. Assistant Superintendent Alisha DiCorpo said the curriculum was developed by district staff and aligns with state standards across a 120-day instructional calendar. Several members praised the work, while others said they would like families to have more time to review the changes.

Math Program Review and Reading Proposal

The board unanimously authorized an $18,750 consulting proposal to assess math programming in grades 5–9. The Phase I plan includes analyzing instructional minutes, staffing levels, test scores, iReady data and curriculum alignment, with recommendations expected by May 2026.

DiCorpo also outlined a proposal to introduce a new sixth-grade unit from the American Reading Company, with potential expansion to seventh grade.

Veterans Day Recognition

McKinnon and school administrators highlighted districtwide Veterans Day activities, noting student participation and shared photos across school social media accounts.

The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.