The Middletown City School Board convened on March 6, 2025, to address several key issues impacting the district, including upcoming events, mental health concerns, and the implications of potential federal funding changes.

The meeting began with announcements regarding the upcoming prom, with tickets set to go on sale the following Thursday. Students will have the opportunity to nominate peers for the prom court, including positions for king, queen, prince, and princess, with a Google form being distributed on March 18.

Following these announcements, Paul Johnson, a community member and advocate for mental health, addressed the board. He emphasized the importance of mental health support for teachers and nurses, sharing insights from his interactions with staff and a recent workshop he attended. Johnson raised critical questions about the adequacy of social worker resources in the district and whether formal workshops on mental health have been implemented. He expressed concern that many educators feel overwhelmed and are not experiencing the fulfilling careers they envisioned.

Community member Aliyah Castillo also spoke, voicing her concerns regarding the district's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in light of potential federal funding cuts. She questioned whether the district has a proactive plan to address these challenges and ensure the continuity of essential programs, including her own initiative aimed at teaching life skills to adolescents. Castillo stressed the need for the district to stay ahead of potential funding issues rather than react to them after the fact.

The meeting concluded with a call for the district to consider these pressing issues and take necessary actions to support both staff and students effectively. The board's next steps will likely involve discussions on mental health resources and strategies to safeguard DEI initiatives amidst changing federal policies.