The Danbury Board of Education recognized Brian Bettis as Connecticut Teacher of the Year and approved a $5,000 donation to Rogers Park Middle School at its meeting.

Bettis, called to the podium by a board member, credited a regular donor whose DonorsChoose project inspired the gift. He told the board that DonorsChoose support has totaled roughly $40,000 for his classroom and more than $500,000 for Rogers Park over time, and said the $5,000 award will fund student‑led projects such as courtyard renovations and fence artwork.

The donation and other routine items were bundled on the consent calendar. A board member moved approval of the consent calendar, which the board carried by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was provided in the meeting record.

Why it matters: The grant is intended to support hands‑on, student‑driven learning and improvements to school grounds at Rogers Park Middle School. The board’s formal acceptance places the funds under district oversight and enables the projects Bettis described to proceed under school and district policies.

The board also said it will honor Bettis with an award night after he returns from the statewide ceremony, and staff noted the district will transport students to the Connecticut Teacher of the Year ceremony on Dec. 2 at the Bushnell in Hartford.