Wilton BoE Asks for Two-Percent 2013 Budget Increase

The Board of Education (BoE) is asking for a two percent increase, or $1,453,750, over last year’s budget for a total operating cost of $74,231,750, for 2012-2013. If passed, this would increase Wilton’s current by 1.98 percent, landing it at 22.26 for the next fiscal year.

, Chair of the BoE, presented the 2012-2013 education budget before the public and the Board of Finance at last night's public hearing in auditorium.

2013 Budget Breakdown:

• 59.7 percent - salaries
• 20 percent - employee benefits
• 11.2 percent – supplies, equipment, etc.
• 4.4 percent – transportation
• 3.7 percent – buildings, operations and facilities
• 1 percent – substitutes

Classroom teachers would receive $23,366,519, or 31.5 percent, of the salary portion of the budget, an increase of .4 percent or $83,480.

According to Likly, approximately $17,183 per student in FY 2012-2013 would be the new net cost spent per-student in Wilton schools.

Per-pupil cost comparisons to other towns, 2011

 Here’s how Wilton stacked up at the net per-pupil cost vs. neighboring towns in 2011:

• Wilton: $15,664
• Darien: $15,616
• Ridgefield: $14,111
• Westport :$17,435
• New Canaan: $16,992
• Weston: $17,800

Projected mill rates

To keep up with an education budget similar to this year’s, the BoE projected Wilton’s mill rate to increase by 1.14 percent in 2014 and another 1.58 percent in 2015.

“We are a high-performing school district,” said Likly “I’m going to ask you to support the budget because I believe it’s the right question. If you have any questions please email [us].”

Coming up next: What Wiltonians said to the BoE when they approached the podium.