[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6693226,"mediaKeyId","2623658-1868c72410c534194c6807c7eb7d578a","parentId",2623658,"title","Bristol schools report $11 million operating deficit, outline $9.8M–$50M capital requests","audioSeconds",5035,"startMs",961000,"endMs",5996000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623658-1868c72410c534194c6807c7eb7d578a&start=961&end=5996","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623658-1868c72410c534194c6807c7eb7d578a/thumbnail_961000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6693226/Connecticut/Bristol-schools-report-11-million-operating-deficit-outline-98M50M-capital-requests","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693226-732dd9a4b9c9ae98686c5b8bc4fd61f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437284&Signature=QdyBvJnuOUrMM3Rq7BfAWR~34sku4NgH~mxKIAZWqnHRye8Xgs7aBgP2GlRVCE3B33qOS3-ISlc9xtYal2DHI6IOtB53G8zyvO99CvYyL4JDLdkevtG7TNidL~dsbDR544s6REdtsmMasWTn6HpMDg2OYveoDguY9x9b6gtAvOewkg6ai2dX66HTJe~rRf99Wuw9kvdHw2xV0Oqkm3Va~kOJvCDL5AmfPsNkzAdlgJ1PwAeD00IZ7WUESxphtTNsbXGsreaBNlY2BtK~kyc3tYZNy1yUPqDIh7qEQ1h6vgPWbZDkOfxXEyRqY08D3JCCz-Q87ehxDjuHa7yIDijtfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bristol School District","date","2025-01-13T11:38:43.9Z","article","The Bristol Board of Education on Jan. 8 heard a finance committee update showing the district’s operating deficit at roughly $11 million, driven chiefly by special education tuition costs and rising transportation obligations.

Commissioner Tagriello, presenting the finance and operations report, said the district’s special education deficit alone was about $8.1 million and transportation was over its line by roughly $329,607. He told the board that state excess-cost reimbursement had been at approximately 72% in recent years, meaning the district received about $0.72 on the dollar for qualifying excess costs, which he said strained local taxpayers and the budget process.

Tagriello said the State Department of Education had informed the city that Bristol had underfunded its minimum budget requirement by $1.2 million; the Board of Finance later appropriated those funds in December. He said the district typically runs deficits in this part of the fiscal year until excess-cost and other reimbursements arrive, but that this year’s shortfall appeared larger and persistent. He urged residents to attend January budget workshops and contact city council members about school funding.

The board also discussed capital needs. Tagriello reviewed the five-year capital improvement plan he presented to the finance committee earlier that evening. Requests included $9.8 million for the coming fiscal year for projects such as theater alterations at both high schools and initial work on aging roof mechanicals at Bristol Central High School; additional roof and mechanicals work across multiple years was listed as: $30.2 million for 2026–27 phases, $50 million proposed for a Stafford School renovation in a later year, $30.5 million for staggered HVAC work at Chippens Hill and Havel, and $43 million for a future South Side School project. Tagriello cautioned those estimates are current-dollar figures and will change.

After discussion the board voted unanimously to add the capital improvement plan to the agenda and then to accept the CIP as proposed.

Board members also discussed special education enrollment and program costs in a separate pupil personnel presentation. The district reported special education enrollment at about 1,803 students as of Jan. 1, roughly 22% of students. Private placement counts rose from 113 on Dec. 1 to 118 on Jan. 1; three students who moved into the district in January required out-of-district placements. District staff said nursing costs associated with special education needs and additional paraeducator requirements had produced unanticipated costs, estimating nursing-related costs at about $500,000 during the period referenced.

The board voted to accept the capital plan and asked the superintendent and finance staff to continue refining budget materials ahead of the Board of Finance workshop Jan. 21.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","01-08-25 Regular Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The district’s finance committee reported an $11 million operating deficit driven primarily by special education tuition and transportation costs. The board approved a five‑year capital improvement plan that includes nearly $9.8 million in requests for the next fiscal year and a series of larger projects through 2029.","taxTitle","Bristol School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",38310,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6693231,"Bristol Board of Education opposes REACH charter school application after public hearing and review",741,3565000,4306000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623658-1868c72410c534194c6807c7eb7d578a&start=3565&end=4306","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623658-1868c72410c534194c6807c7eb7d578a/thumbnail_3565000.jpg","/articles/6693231/Connecticut/Bristol-Board-of-Education-opposes-REACH-charter-school-application-after-public-hearing-and-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693231-20b090057114ae1e62324fafa42da3f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437284&Signature=I2uAPGtGG7NRtwVynBMANITNLYMjNwBsRscjhFKnKPTUcvhp-W-PwxVnqTTIex0-MSzBFvA8mR1a~AGJPm1~ayFKm2C-85AWF~3yGpcxpBBDeElFoAqWaSUhwuqcjrlZZx0VbwPdkgG5KXT5Vsb0mh-Zho6jkVIdS7gE5sno8bVf8J92YiedATs0tqSm4Bo4Fzmh8op5hTMEcMonMdXbTxyTizfqRb2eK9EWjepUmnrh4a2503vmuasHLe97Qb44WLr4sIEf4Gj9nL6bKqmv2aHqUdcwKCDRmrzrpmd8RXZAL28TT0eCkmjJuVGBVM6ODlktT8aRajREhFmuQnCMHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bristol Board of Education voted unanimously on Jan. 8 to oppose the REACH charter school application after a public hearing and extensive discussion. Commissioners and members of the public said the application did not show sufficient local community engagement, lacked necessary details on facility and cost, and raised concerns about the district’s ability to absorb potential funding and enrollment impacts.

The board heard public comment at the start of the discussion. Jennifer Benevento, a Bristol parent, told the board charter approval would divert taxpayer dollars from public schools and said the application was submitted with “little to no meaningful input from the very people it will impact, the students, parents, and teachers.”

Superintendent Iris White said the district had not been contacted directly by the REACH group beyond an initial call about hearing logistics and that the district planned to submit written comments to the Connecticut State Department of Education in advance of the state board’s decision. Chair Ponds noted the state had scheduled a second public hearing after determining one application merited a hearing.

In deliberations, several commissioners said they examined available accountability data for REACH’s New York operations and found mixed results. Commissioner Tagriello said he compared Buffalo-area results and concluded the school underperformed in English language arts while overperforming in math; he said the application did not show a demonstrated local need in Bristol and added, “So I’m a hard no on this application.” Other commissioners raised concerns that charter operators could “cherry pick” students and that the city’s current budget shortfall — discussed earlier in the meeting — made approving a new charter unwise.

A motion to approve the application was made and seconded; the resulting vote was recorded by the chair as unanimous opposition and the board did not recommend the REACH application proceed from the local level. The board and superintendent noted the state review and the second public hearing remain part of the state process.

The board directed the superintendent to submit written comments to the State Department of Education by the stated deadline and to attend the second public hearing in Bristol to represent district concerns.

Votes at a glance: REACH charter school application — motion to approve failed (0 yes, 9 no).","After public comment and multiple board members raised concerns about data, transparency and potential budget impacts, the Bristol Board of Education voted unanimously to oppose the REACH charter school application. Commissioners cited lack of local outreach, unclear facility plans and district budget strain as reasons for the decision.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":81,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6693217,"Board approves curriculum updates, BAMEs study‑abroad trips, and accepts estate donation to arts program",1921,6227000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623658-1868c72410c534194c6807c7eb7d578a&start=4306&end=6227","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623658-1868c72410c534194c6807c7eb7d578a/thumbnail_4306000.jpg","/articles/6693217/Connecticut/Board-approves-curriculum-updates-BAMEs-studyabroad-trips-and-accepts-estate-donation-to-arts-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693217-79b388a726bd0f409792c10e5d68e2ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437284&Signature=InMe-2TjRepIx67vDdJGryi3Pojr9lOhQYiL9e8yO4USMy9pk6UsXMOfMOhiHGhoZAibzdfFACPp7Xn-R2eowHylbXfPrrocbCbpoEx-nXqoqW-a-A9r2~aj8Zc1EZ6VD7joU0leSfStDKBMX6VslprvdcBLww61nVJVk0fiPHe1GXXKKlEDsDMCGuG0cndjsYkEJMART8TFNVXcPUQEzdBcfavwIwqS~sMPqXnhCtwOVY4vhYF6uq~~0psnxlY4e6kvhFSyVs6QrYTnnlI5-WM1Z6XPEfCbKqewUN2tIlGR4b~7CPkcTa5~OGNVg7RAYXR6Qculqm5r36G~gJ6NSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Jan. 8 the Bristol Board of Education approved a slate of curriculum updates, new elective courses and two international travel proposals for Bristol Central and Bristol Arts & Innovation Magnet School (BAMEs), and accepted a donation of original artwork from a local artist\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's estate.

Program and curriculum approvals included the 2025–26 high school Program of Studies (approved 8–1), and new or revised courses presented to the board: Pottery 3, Improv Comedy, and Found Object Art. A wellness curriculum revision was also approved to align with updated Connecticut and national standards. Several new electives and articulated college-credit courses were noted in the Program of Studies presentation.

The board authorized two Bristol Central trips: a 2026 exchange with G. Nolfi Classical Language School in Fano, Italy, involving reciprocal hosting, and a 2027 study‑abroad trip to Sardinia tied to a high school program on culture and healthy living. Teachers described the exchange and study-abroad plans as year-long planning efforts that include fundraising and family engagement. Both trip permissions were approved unanimously.

Bristol Arts & Innovation Magnet Principal Liam McCabe presented a proposed donation from the estate of local artist Richard Santorso Sr.: about 80 paintings spanning the artist\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's lifetime (circa 1961–2024) and a modest quantity of art supplies. The board accepted the donation unanimously; school staff said the works would be used as teaching examples and that an exhibit at BAMEs would be planned.

Motions to approve the Program of Studies, new courses and curriculum revisions were made, seconded and passed by recorded voice vote. The board set no additional conditions on the travel approvals beyond the usual district trip procedures and parental permissions.","The board approved new and revised courses, two Bristol Central study‑abroad/exchange trips to Italy, several curriculum updates, and accepted a donation of roughly 80 paintings and art supplies from the estate of Richard Santorso Sr. Multiple curriculum approvals and trip permissions passed unanimously.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6693222,"Heated public discussion on board conduct and a member————————performance draws prolonged debate",2686,7400000,10086000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623658-1868c72410c534194c6807c7eb7d578a&start=7400&end=10086","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623658-1868c72410c534194c6807c7eb7d578a/thumbnail_7400000.jpg","/articles/6693222/Connecticut/Heated-public-discussion-on-board-conduct-and-a-memberperformance-draws-prolonged-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693222-8a74ad7cf4fafcc5b76ba0c2f9276f5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437284&Signature=MdQDoORzV5hr6eS0jJEJkdrOzc1Ujo4o7C~54imG3S-nLLwcXqnKnHqHar3FsTqRIrLGrQ9YFqSt9OFKgjtwOsB0HrlvDgpAu~eXaX4B9FM2IE2fLhi3RI4AbQqGquPQlzF5KstaTdlIXrAMgSkV4uYUflLKZWKXCa1vqxcYAwG9L4uAV2PTB46Eu74AWvAqa~Wfra3oa9refekihyUiOcVzWOISbjqOLZ0io3-3VeToacaHnsSB2njuLCDv2Ij4bHiEjIASMtTpFKmuRz6fikPU6EoSxXofJtqsDsFQFpTSb7f9ixZ5Qo~4mPlROdgJsFxC2nJzAh2Tn2X6yL6QQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A lengthy and often contentious public discussion of board conduct and a commissioner\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's performance consumed a portion of the Jan. 8 Bristol Board of Education meeting. Chair Ponds presented a packet of examples the chair said documented repeated violations of the board\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's communication protocols and bylaws, including contacting outside funders and the state department of education in ways the chair said amounted to representing the board outside an authorized setting, contacting the board attorney in ways that could incur fees, and emailing district staff directly rather than routing requests through the chair.

Chair Ponds told commissioners she had offered private conversations and repeated reminders to the named commissioner and that the board attorney recommended an agenda discussion. The chair said the goal was behavior change and to restore a cohesive working relationship. Commissioners were given an outline for a limited public discussion and told there would be no vote that night.

Multiple commissioners addressed the board. Several described the same issues as pattern behavior that undermined trust and the board\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's ability to operate efficiently; others said the matters were being presented without full context. Commissioner Simmons urged repair and reflection, recommending board self-evaluation and facilitated reflection sessions. Commissioner Tagriello and others cited the communication protocol line that requires board business be routed through the chair and said the rule protects staff from being inundated by individual requests.

The named commissioner, Kristin G'Antonio, disputed several of the assertions, saying she had called the State Department of Education as a Bristol resident with questions about a public hearing, that she had left a brief voicemail for the board attorney only after being cc'd on an email and seeking clarification, and that some allegations lacked context. She said she had asked for the discussion to occur in open session so she could rebut the claims publicly.

Chair Ponds closed the public discussion after commissioners spoke and said the meeting would move to other agenda items. No formal disciplinary action or sanction was taken that night; the chair said the purpose of the item was to review and discuss the alleged violations and next steps. Commissioners suggested a range of possible follow-up options, including private mediation, board self-reflection workshops, or clearer, reiterated procedures enforced by the chair.

The board provided a written packet to members at the meeting outlining the claimed violations and the chair's attempts at remediation. Because the discussion involved personnel and conduct items, the chair had offered the nominated commissioner the option of executive session; the commissioner waived that option and chose public discussion.","Commissioners spent substantial time debating alleged violations of board bylaws and communication protocols by one member. The chair presented documented examples; the named commissioner denied some allegations and called for context. No formal sanction was taken; the item was framed as discussion with no vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bristol schools report $11 million operating deficit, outline $9.8M–$50M capital requests

Bristol Board of Education opposes REACH charter school application after public hearing and review

Board approves curriculum updates, BAMEs study‑abroad trips, and accepts estate donation to arts program

Heated public discussion on board conduct and a member————————performance draws prolonged debate