Supt.: Disruptive School Closures, Layoffs, Program Cuts, On Horizon

NEW HAVEN, CT — Schools' Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón previewed anticipated budget cuts to New Haven Public Schools in advance of her budget presentation to the New Haven Board of Alders Thursday.

According to Negrón and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, "Absent significant increases in state education funding, as New Haven and other municipal and education leaders have advocated, the New Haven Public Schools will face a deficit of $23.2 million, or roughly 10 percent of its operating budget, next school year."

Tuesday, Negrón and Elicker issued a statement noting that, "municipalities cannot and should not make up difference for state’s chronic schools' underfunding, especially given seven consecutive years of state budget surpluses, a $4.1B rainy day fund with another $1.8B surplus projected at end of fiscal year."

According to the Mayor's office, "If the New Haven Board of Alders approve Mayor Elicker’s proposed budget, NHPS’ deficit will be reduced by $5 million to approximately $18 million."

And, if state lawmakers approve the General Assembly Appropriations Committee’s proposed budget, which increases funds for special education and excess costs by an additional $2.7 million, the district's deficit will be reduced to approximately $15.5 million.

"To close the remaining gap, a combination of disruptive school closures, layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts in arts and athletics programs will be required," a statement from Elicker's office reads.