The Southington School District Board of Education convened on June 27, 2025, to discuss several key issues affecting the district, including environmental testing requirements and upcoming field trips.

The meeting began with a report on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent decision to modify PCB testing requirements at Apollo and Kennedy schools. Previously mandated to test annually, the district will now conduct these tests every two years, provided that the results remain consistent with past findings, which have shown only trace amounts of PCBs. This change is expected to alleviate some financial burdens on the district, as extensive remediation efforts in the past had incurred significant costs.

Board members discussed the historical context of PCB issues, recalling a significant incident involving a transformer that released PCBs into the air, leading to the temporary closure of the high school. The board acknowledged the ongoing need for testing at the middle school, despite previous remediation efforts, and expressed concerns about the necessity and cost of these tests. The discussion highlighted a broader sentiment that the testing requirements may be excessive given the district's proactive measures in addressing PCB concerns.

Following the environmental report, the board moved on to the next agenda item, which involved the approval of out-of-state overnight field trips. The details of these trips were not elaborated upon in the transcript, but they are a routine part of the board's agenda, aimed at enhancing educational experiences for students.

The meeting concluded without public comments, as no members of the public were present to address the board. Overall, the session focused on significant regulatory changes that could impact the district's operational budget and the ongoing commitment to student safety and environmental health. The board plans to follow up on the PCB testing discussions and will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves.