education
Farmington's Schools Closed the Year $248,435 Ahead. The Town Gets $100,000 of It Back.
Three budgeted kindergarten teachers were never needed, so Farmington Public Schools ended 2025-26 with $248,435 unspent.
Jack Beckett·Sep 26, 2026
Topic
Education
education
Farmington Is Fining Its School Bus Company $100 a Run. The Split Runs Stopped.
Farmington Public Schools invoked the penalty clause in its Specialty Transportation contract after a "highly disappointing" start to the year: $100 for every split or doubled bus run.
Jack Beckett·Sep 26, 2026
education
Farmington Schools Will Measure Their Own Screen Time Before Deciding What to Cut
Over 90 to 120 days, EdAdvance will survey parents, students and teachers, audit three weeks of network traffic and walk through up to 200 classrooms before the district decides how much screen time…
Jack Beckett·Sep 26, 2026
education
School Starts Aug. 31 in Farmington, and the First Two Days End Early
Farmington Public Schools opens the 2026-27 year on Monday, August 31, with early dismissals on the first two days. The Mercury's new calendar page has every no-school day, conference window…
Jack Beckett·Aug 25, 2026
government
Farmington Green Efforts Committee Funds Full $4,500 for Union School Compost Table
The Farmington Green Efforts Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to cover the full $4,500 cost of a custom compost-sorting table for Union Elementary School — more than doubling the $2,000 the…
Henry Whitfield·May 7, 2026
government
Farmington's $14.3M School HVAC Bond: Fresh Air, AC, and a $100,000 Electric Bill
Before April 30, voters decide whether to condition the air in four elementary schools. The bond is the simple number. The math around it is not.
Jack Beckett·Apr 22, 2026
government
Farmington Passes $143M Budget for 2026-27
Farmington's Town Council approved a $143.2M budget for FY 2026-27, setting a 27.55 mill rate and locking in $564K in regional dispatch savings.
Jack Beckett·Apr 9, 2026
education
Farmington Weighs Annex Plan, School HVAC Bonding And a Long List of Capital Needs
At a lengthy Feb. 24 hearing, Farmington officials and residents focused on a proposed Town Hall Annex overhaul, a $14.3 million elementary school HVAC bond, road spending, and unresolved questions…
Jack Beckett·Mar 7, 2026
development
Farmington Bike Advisory Committee Debates Trail Safety, School Access, Signage Costs, and Grants
Farmington’s Bike Advisory Committee weighed trail safety, school access, signage costs, wetlands constraints, speed etiquette, and grant timelines—one careful step at a time.
Jack Beckett·Jan 27, 2026
government
Farmington Green Efforts Committee Sets April 25, 2026 Clean-Up; Textile Recycling Reaches 5,500 Pounds
Farmington’s Green Efforts Committee set April 25, 2026 for Town-Wide Clean-Up, reported 5,500 pounds of textiles recycled, and discussed expanding school composting.
Jack Beckett·Jan 10, 2026
education
Farmington High School Building Committee Addresses HVAC Noise and Final Closeout
The Farmington High School Building Committee addressed HVAC noise complaints, approved invoices, and outlined final closeout steps as the long-running project enters its final phase.
Jack Beckett·Dec 24, 2025
government
Farmington’s Bicycle And Trails Advisory Committee Weighs Trail Repairs, Safe Routes, And A 15 MPH E-Bike Limit
Farmington’s bike committee reviewed trail fixes, school walking audits, business outreach, and a possible 15 mph e-bike speed limit, then set a date for a March 2026 public forum. 🚲
Jack Beckett·Dec 15, 2025
government
Farmington Council Honors First Female Eagle Scout, Backs School Repairs and Golf Cart Upgrade
Farmington’s Town Council honored its first female Eagle Scout, awarded a Human Rights prize, advanced school repairs, expanded golf carts at Westwoods, and set dates for Hanukkah, graduation, and a…
Jack Beckett·Dec 11, 2025
development
Farmington TPZ Approves Spy Farm Program, Contractor Building, and Construction-Hour Changes After Lengthy Review
Farmington’s TPZ Commission advanced education, housing, and contractor-use proposals on Dec. 8, approving Spy Farm, Barnes Landscaping’s contractor building, and limited Saturday work at 402…
Jack Beckett·Dec 10, 2025
government
Farmington Green Efforts Committee Advances School Composting, Earth Day Cleanup, and Textile Recycling
Farmington’s Green Efforts Committee tackles school composting funding, Earth Day cleanup plans, textile recycling totals, and how to turn nip-bottle money and garden-club grants into real climate…
Jack Beckett·Dec 3, 2025
education
Farmington Board of Ed Reviews AP Gains, SAT Trends, Dual Enrollment Expansion, and Policy Overhaul
Farmington’s Board of Education reviewed AP performance, SAT data, dual-enrollment growth, SchoolLinks planning tools, strategic goals, policy updates, and budget progress during its Nov. 17 meeting.
Jack Beckett·Nov 19, 2025
government
Farmington Council Honors Eagle Scouts, Thanks Veterans, and Faces School Budget Questions
Farmington’s Nov. 10, 2025 council meeting honored two Eagle Scouts, marked Veterans Day, heard sharp school funding concerns, and reviewed bonds, building projects, and upcoming zoning and parking…
Jack Beckett·Nov 16, 2025
development
Unionville HDC Advances Oral-History Project; Stone Church Receives State Plaque, National Listing Eyed
Unionville’s HDC met unofficially on November 6 to advance an oral-history effort and to celebrate the unveiling of a state plaque for the 1926 Stone Church, with a national register nomination now…
Jack Beckett·Nov 9, 2025
education
Farmington Board Appoints Jess M. Giannini Superintendent, Term Begins January 5, 2026
Farmington’s Board of Education voted Oct. 27, 2025, to appoint Jess M. Giannini superintendent for a three-year term beginning Jan. 5, 2026, after an eight-month CABE-led search. 🎓
Jack Beckett·Nov 2, 2025
education
Farmington Board of Ed Reviews AP Gains, SAT Trends, and Strategic Direction
Board of education meeting report on academic progress and test scores.
Jack Beckett·Oct 20, 2025
government
Tim Kelly And The Five-Minute Mic: Debt, Data, And Why Public Comment Still Matters In Farmington
Tim Kelly And The Five-Minute Mic: Debt, Data, And Why Public Comment Still Matters In Farmington If you sit through Farmington Town Council meetings, you know the pattern: the chair opens public…
Jack Beckett·Oct 18, 2025
government
Farmington Bike Committee Forms E-Bike Subcommittee, Targets Bollards, Wayfinding, and Trails Grant RFP
Farmington’s Bike Committee formed an e-bike subcommittee, prioritized bollard fixes and wayfinding, reviewed a state trails grant RFP, and set Safe Routes to School next steps.
Jack Beckett·Oct 15, 2025
government
Farmington Eyes E-Bike Rules: 15 mph on Trails, Lower on Sidewalks; School Safety Push and Small Fixes Ahead
Farmington’s bike committee weighed e-bike speed limits, sidewalk rules, bollard fixes, and school safety programs as new state operation laws take effect Oct. 1, with a white paper and ordinance next.
Jack Beckett·Sep 12, 2025
education
Farmington High School Building Committee Reviews Progress, Eyes September Meetings
Farmington High School Building Committee advanced invoices, change orders, and furniture decisions while confirming September 3 and 17 meetings.
Jack Beckett·Aug 29, 2025
development
HDU Signs, Garage Revamp, and LED Spotlights Approved at Farmington Historic District Commission
Farmington Historic District Commission approves new signs for Noah Wallace School, tweaks a Church Street garage plan, and blesses LED spotlights for St. Patrick’s Church—all in one lively session.
Jack Beckett·Jul 22, 2025
development
Farmington Bike Committee Eyes Trail Links, School Routes, and E-Bike Law Updates
Farmington’s Bicycle Advisory Committee tackles development updates, e-bike rules, and school sidewalk planning, with help from new BOE liaison James Ratcliffe.
Jack Beckett·Jul 18, 2025
development
Unionville OKs New Shaker Door, Adopts UConn Oral-History Tool, Faces Commissioner Exodus
Unionville Historic District Commission approves a new Shaker-style fiberglass door at 48 Cottage Street and votes to join UConn’s free “Their Story” oral-history platform.
Jack Beckett·Jul 14, 2025
news
Connecticut Delegation’s Busy Week: Iran Votes, Airport Cash, Broadband Push—and What It Means for Farmington
Capitol‑Hill Ping‑Pong, Explained ☕️ Washington dealt Connecticut a full deck this week. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy issued statements on Iran strikes, airport grants, broadband…
Jack Beckett·Jun 28, 2025
development
1928 Building Committee Targets January Finish as Contingency Holds at $521 K
Cupola gossip hotter than July. The 1928 Building Committee gathered this week to measure progress on Farmington’s most visible construction project: the wholesale renovation of the old high‑school…
Jack Beckett·Jun 28, 2025
development
Farmington TPZ Debates Crown Equities’ 65‑Acre Midway District Plan
Farmington’s TPZ weighs a 65‑acre Crown Equities proposal mixing townhomes, apartments, and river‑view houses while traffic, schools, and a 100‑foot river buffer dominate the debate.
Jack Beckett·Jun 25, 2025
education
Farmington High School Committee Reviews Construction Progress and Superintendent Search
Farmington High School Committee tackles punch lists, construction updates, and a superintendent search. Rusty virtual pledges included. 😅🏫
Jack Beckett·Jun 19, 2025
government
Farmington Council Honors Residents, Expands 911 Dispatch and Approves $1.4 M in Infrastructure
Council salutes students, educators, police, and clergy; adds historic homes, expands regional 911 service with Avon, and green‑lights $1.4 million in roadwork, while the town manager gets a new…
Jack Beckett·Jun 13, 2025
education
Farmington Schools Salute Superintendent Greeter, Tackle Bus Woes, and Launch Summer Programs
Farmington’s Board of Education honored outgoing Superintendent Kathleen C. Greeter, confronted a rocky bus contract, and previewed summer learning—leaving cupcakes in its wake.
Jack Beckett·Jun 11, 2025
development
Two New Signs, One Preschool, and a Garage in the Floodplain
Signatures, Schools, and a Side Order of Zoning 🤓 FARMINGTON — May 28, 2025. The Town Plan & Zoning Commission (TPZ) settled into Council Chambers at 7 p.m.
Jack Beckett·May 30, 2025
development
Builders Green-Light $1.1 Million, Order Four ADA Parking Spaces
With 24 invoices paid and two design add-ons approved, Farmington’s school builders kept their $135 million program on schedule—and ordered four ADA parking spaces—before adjourning in 45 minutes.
Jack Beckett·May 24, 2025
government
Bike Path Plans, School-Zone Safety and a Fight Over Weeds: Inside Farmington’s Bike Advisory Marathon 🚲
Farmington’s Bike Advisory Committee mapped out trail upgrades, school-zone safety lessons and a million-dollar grant push—all in 90 brisk minutes. Potholes, pavilions and pocket parks? Covered.
Jack Beckett·May 16, 2025
education
Farmington School Board Moves Forward in Superintendent Search—Here’s What’s Next
Farmington’s Board of Education selects CABE Executive Search Services to find the next superintendent 📚👀. Catch up on the details—and watch the meeting here.
Jack Beckett·Mar 18, 2025
development
🚧 Noise, Windows, and a Sign War: Farmington Historic Commission’s Meeting Gets Loud—But Not Because of the Debate
Miss Porter’s School wants new windows, St. Patrick’s needs a sign, and historic preservation meets frozen ground in Farmington’s latest Historic District Commission meeting. 🏛️❄️🔊
Jack Beckett·Feb 26, 2025
development
Farmington TPZ Greenlights New Gas Station Signage, Historic Expansions & More 🛏️✨
Farmington TPZ approves new gas station signage, historic district expansion & upcoming food truck rules. Details on zoning shifts, school playgrounds & more. 🌟 #FarmingtonCT
Jack Beckett·Feb 20, 2025
education
Farmington Schools: Budget Hike Approved, Superintendent Search Kicks Off & Retirements Reshape Staff 📚💡
Farmington’s school board locks in a budget hike, launches a superintendent search, and honors retiring teachers. See the full breakdown with key quotes.
Jack Beckett·Feb 5, 2025
government
Farmington Town Council Declares January 14, 2025, as Farmington High School Boys Soccer Team Day ⚽🎉
Farmington Town Council covers soccer champs, budget planning, registrar compensation, Batterson Park updates, and sidewalk expansion. Details on all you need to know! 🌟
Jack Beckett·Jan 15, 2025
government
Farmington’s 2025 Vision: Connecting Trails, Sidewalks, and Safer Routes for All
Farmington’s path forward: Safe Routes to School, sidewalk expansions, and new bike trails! 🚲🛤️ Get the latest updates and plans for a connected 2025! #FarmingtonMercury
Jack Beckett·Jan 10, 2025
features
New Britain Middle Schools Embrace Phone-Free Learning with Yondr Pouches
Say goodbye to distractions! New Britain’s Slade & Pulaski middle schools are locking away cell phones during class with Yondr pouches. Find out why this move is making waves 📱⬇️.
Jack Beckett·Jan 7, 2025
education
🎓 “Farmington High Committee Meeting Recap: Progress and Challenges” 🚧
Key updates from the Farmington High School Building Committee, including construction milestones and financial approvals. Watch the full meeting here.
Jack Beckett·Dec 24, 2024
education
Farmington HS Construction Hits Milestone: $316K Payment Approved! 💼
Farmington High’s revamp moves forward! Contractors paid $316K for parking, drainage & more. Learn how these updates are transforming our school.
Jack Beckett·Dec 18, 2024
education
Farmington’s Indoor Air Quality: Clearing the Air, One School at a Time
Discover how Farmington Public Schools is leading the way in indoor air quality (IAQ) improvements with the Tools for Schools program.
Jack Beckett·Dec 18, 2024
education
Farmington Finances Revealed: October’s Numbers Speak
Discover key insights from Farmington’s October 2024 Financial Report, including teacher salaries, special education investments, and transportation savings.
Jack Beckett·Dec 17, 2024
education
Farmington’s School Bus Woes: $7,000 Credit Marks Turning Point for Rocky Start
Discover the inside story of Farmington’s school bus service’s rocky start and $7,000 credit from Specialty Transportation. Learn what went wrong, how it was fixed, and what’s next for the district.
Jack Beckett·Dec 13, 2024
education
Farmington’s Federal Funds Breakdown: A Million-Dollar Puzzle 🧩
Farmington’s schools rely on $1.5M in federal funds. What does that mean for your kids? Dive into the numbers and watch the meeting replay! 🎥👩🏫
Jack Beckett·Dec 11, 2024
education
Board of Education’s Legal Playbook: Civics 101 Revisited
Farmington’s BOE gets a legal civics refresher: governance, grievances, and why you can’t hit reply all. Must-watch moments from the special session 📜.
Jack Beckett·Dec 11, 2024