Board of Education
Standing Committees
The following are standing committees of the BOE, expected to make regular reports to the BOE as a whole. Meetings will be posted and will be open to the public. The Committee Chairperson will be responsible for calling meetings, setting agendas, and moving committee work forward. The Committee Chairperson will ensure that agendas and minutes are posted in a timely manner consistent with FOI requirements. The Board Chair, with the approval of the Board, may also appoint additional standing committees as may be needed.
CIP/FACILITIES/FINANCE COMMITTTEE (CFF)
Shannon Tomai, Chair
Alison Plante
Brian Leonardi
- Financial Responsibilities
a) Time permitting, review monthly expense reports and budget transfers, recommending changes as needed.
b) Assess financial reporting and budget documentation for clarity
c) Provide oversight of contracts over $200,000, including RFP terms, contract bids, and reports from contracted servicest..
2. CIP/Facilities Responsibilities
a) Review capital expenditures and proposals for the Town’s 5- and 10-year improvement plans.
b) Assess quarterly building and maintenance needs with the Facility Director.
c) Provide oversight to BOE Capital Improvement Projects, coordinating with the Facilities Director and relevant town commissions as needed.
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
Chris Gilson, Chair
John Vouros
- Ensure that the direction of the curriculum reflects the Board of Education mission, beliefs and objectives at both the course-specific and K-12 vertical alignment level;
- Meet with administration and staff to review goals, curriculum updates, new textbooks, proposed or changed courses and programs and make recommendations regarding these items.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE (DEAI)
- Review, support and oversee the goals and objectives of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work in the District to ensure consistency with Board Policies.
- Work with the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and the School Equity Leaders and act as bridge to the Board of Education and its committees on matters related to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion.
- Recommend to the Board of Education any action that needs their approval to support the Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion needs of staff and students.
POLICY COMMITTEE
- Review and propose revisions to Board policies as needed to ensure consistency with the District mission statement, best practices and for compliance with state and federal laws;
- Develop new Board policies as appropriate.
Boards and Committees
CABE
Christopher Gilson
District Safety & Security Team
John Vouros
EdAdvance
Alison Plante
Special Education PTA
Alison Plante
Board of Education Liaisons
Liaisons work closely with school administration and the PTA, attending meetings and events whenever possible to support communication and collaboration. They also participate in committee meetings to keep the Board of Education informed about the activities of external agencies.
Hawley School: Brian Leonardi
Head O' Meadow School: Shannon Tomai
Middle Gate School: Alison Plante
Sandy Hook School: John Vouros
Reed Intermediate School: Deborra Zukowski
Newtown Middle School: Chris Gilson
Newtown High School: Dora Linnetz
