Anticipating a significant turnout for the May 16 Board of Education meeting, board Chair Deborra Zukowski has announced that meeting will be held in the Newtown High School cafetorium.

Her letter announcing the decision is as follows:

Dear Parents, Staff, and Members of the Newtown Community,

Given current circumstances, the Board of Education has little it can do other than to move Tuesday’s meeting to a larger space. We need such a space since there has been notable public discussion about interest in being physically present at the meeting and we have no way of knowing, ahead of time, how many people will actually attend.

By the letter of the CT FOIA law, we are expected to ensure there is room for every person who wishes to physically attend. The law, enacted in the 1970s, has not yet been updated to reflect the remote technology capabilities that we now use during our normal, everyday lives.

Unfortunately, moving to a larger space likely comes at a cost.

In the past, we have typically provided video streaming to those who prefer to view the meeting remotely, and have also provided remote access to public participation via telephone. We have done so to better conform to the spirit of the CT FOIA law, ensuring that public access is provided regardless of physical location. If we move, though, we likely will not be able to offer these methods of access. Regardless, we will do our best to ensure that we provide a reasonable recording of the meeting.

At this time, we plan to hold the meeting in the Newtown High School cafetorium [located] at the back of the building near the practice fields. Please refer to the agenda (available via https://www.newtown.k12.ct.us/BOEAgendaandMinutes) for the final location.

My sincerest apologies to those of you who rely on live streaming to access our meetings.

According to spokesperson Alex Villamil, a May 16 rally being organized by the Newtown Democratic Town Committee to show support for the school district's book review committee and its unanimous recommendation to retain the books Blankets and Flamer that was scheduled at the Municipal Center, will also relocate to the public right of way outside the high school's main entrance beginning at 5:30 pm.