Newtown BOE Subcommittee Reviews Budget Transfers, Transportation Plans And Capital Projects

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Education CIP/Facilities/Finance Sub-Committee on Aug. 11 reviewed year-end budget figures, discussed transportation changes for the upcoming school year, and outlined a series of capital projects planned through 2029. The meeting, held at the Board of Education conference room, focused on how to allocate a $236,231 surplus and prepare for long-term facility needs.

Year-End Financial Report

Business Director Tanja Gouveia presented the district’s year-end financials, noting that expenditures totaled $86.9 million, or 99.73 percent of the budget. Salaries accounted for $8.7 million of June spending, with another $1.5 million going toward other activities.

Despite some shortfalls in specific line items, the district closed the year with $236,231 in unspent funds. Gouveia recommended transferring the entire balance into the district’s non-lapsing account, which is reserved for future needs.

Committee members unanimously supported the recommendation. Chair Alison Plante noted that the special education reserve already has a healthy balance, making it reasonable to direct this year’s surplus into the general-use portion of the account.

Under recent state legislation, Boards of Education no longer need approval from the Board of Finance or Legislative Council to transfer unexpended funds into non-lapsing accounts.

Budget Pressures and Savings

Gouveia outlined several budget areas that faced deficits. Certified salaries ended the year in the red by $204,367 due to administrative transitions and lower-than-expected staff turnover. Substitute costs also exceeded projections, though a new calling system is expected to reduce expenses.

Electricity costs were another challenge, coming in nearly 44 percent over budget due to rate increases. That shortfall was partly offset by lower propane and gas costs.

On the positive side, savings were reported in non-certified salaries, where vacancies in paraeducator and custodial positions reduced expenditures. Employee benefits also came in under budget, producing a $57,596 savings.

Transportation and out-of-district tuition both closed with surpluses, thanks in part to reimbursements from the state’s Excess Cost Grant.

Transportation Updates

Gouveia reported that the district will roll out a new parent app for the 2025–26 school year. The app, available by invitation only, will allow families to securely track their children’s buses in real time.

Officials said Newtown’s bus contractor, All-Star Transportation, is entering the year fully staffed, with backup “travel drivers” available for coverage. Six routes remain unfilled but are expected to be supported by substitute drivers and new hires.

The district will also begin consolidating some cul-de-sac stops, a process that will initially affect four of about 15 locations. Elementary school routes will remain unchanged. Assistant Superintendent Anne Uberti said the district will take a “conservative approach” to the consolidations, balancing efficiency with parent expectations.

Capital Improvement Plan

Facilities Director John Barlow presented a revised Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) through 2029. Among the projects slated for 2026 are high school roof replacements, HVAC unit replacements, and middle school boiler upgrades. A $3.3 million state reimbursement grant will help fund several HVAC projects.

Projects in 2027 include the replacement of the Head O’Meadow oil tank and renovations to bathrooms at Middle Gate School to meet ADA standards. Plans also call for upgrades to the high school pool, fire alarm, and intrusion systems.

Looking ahead to 2028 and 2029, the plan includes roof replacement at Reed Intermediate School, high school window and door replacements, and drainage improvements at Hawley School. Security system upgrades and accessibility improvements are also under consideration.

Facilities and Summer Projects

Barlow also praised maintenance and custodial staff for their work over the summer. Projects included roof repairs, new air conditioning units in 50 classrooms, painting, flooring, playground installations, and equipment repairs.

Next Steps

The subcommittee’s recommendation to transfer surplus funds into the non-lapsing account will go to the full Board of Education for action. The CIP will receive its first reading on Sept. 3, with a second reading on Sept. 16. It is scheduled to be presented to the Board of Finance on Sept. 25, with final recommendations expected in November.

The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.