January 29, 2019

Rep. Zupkus, Republican Lawmakers Oppose Bill to Break Up Amity Regional School District

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HARTFORD – Area lawmakers are expressing their concerns this week about a Democrat proposal to regionalize school districts based on the current Probate Judge map, which means Amity Regional School District #5 would be broken up.

Under the bill, S.B. 454, the Orange School district would be merged with Milford; Woodbridge would be merged with Ansonia, Derby, and Seymour; Bethany would be merged with Hamden.

“This proposal to mandate the regionalization of all Connecticut’s schools is completely misguided. If you look at the current probate map, there will be students from around the state with impossible commute times to school, this plan doesn’t make sense. Left as is, the plan will break apart already regionalized school districts like Amity for example, which is made up of Woodbridge, Bethany and Orange. I believe that we should put our trust in the towns to decide what is best for their communities and schools,” said Rep. Themis Klarides.

“This proposal would penalize a school district that already regionalizes,” said Rep. Charles Ferraro. “I haven’t heard from local officials who believe that this is a good idea. You would think Democrat lawmakers would consult with their Boards of Education, First Selectmen, and Mayors before proposing something so ridiculous.”

“Amity Regional is an educational success story, we should hail, not eliminate. I will fight to defeat any bill which looks to end Amity current regional district,” Rep. Kathy Kennedy said, who is an Amity alum.

Rep. Lezlye Zupkus said, “This proposal will eliminate Amity Regional School District #5 and puts the educational services of Bethany students into great peril. The current Amity School District provides a quality education to Bethany students who attend, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel we need to support the existing school district.”

Amity Regional School District #5 currently is comprised of Bethany, Orange, and Woodbridge. The towns don’t regionalize schools K-12 and the bill only excepts districts that do.

The bill is now before the Education Committee.

Rep. Zupkus Honored with Champion of Open Government Award

HARTFORD – State Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-89th) has been recognized by the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information with its prestigious Champion of Open Government Award, presented during the Council’s annual awards ceremony held Tuesday evening at the Hartford Club. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding Connecticut’s Freedom of […]

September 10, 2025

Rep. Zupkus to Hold Office Hours in Bethany

BETHANY – Residents are invited to in-district office hours with State Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the Country Corner Restaurant (756 Amity Rd., Bethany). The office hours will run from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This event is an opportunity to meet for casual conversation and talk with Rep. Zupkus about any […]

September 3, 2025