School District to Cope With $600K Loss

During a presentation of "budget assumptions" during a regular board of education meeting Tuesday night, it became increasingly apparent that the district will have its hands full next spring when constructing the budget for fiscal year 2012-13.

The most significant hurdle in the district's path to a minimal budget increase is the loss of federal money — a $600,000 loss.

Prior to the current fiscal year, the district was awarded $675,000 in federal money the form of Federal Jobs Funds -- a one-time grant meant to buoy education quality and save teachers' jobs in tough economic times.

The district applied $75,000 of the money to the fiscal year 2010-11 budget, and used the remaining funds on the current budget to go towards the redeployment of existing positions and to address fixed costs associated with benefits, tuition for out-of-district placements and transportation.

The funds were saved for use until the current fiscal year because of an anticipated loss of federal and state education grants.

There are also anticipated savings to be had in the next fiscal year, according to Frank Williams, the district's finance director.

According to Williams, the closing of Roger Wolcott Early Childhood Center and the reorganization of elementary schools (which will go into effect in the fall of 2012) will save the district between $300,000 and $375,000 in the first year.

Additionally, the district managed to complete the previous fiscal year without exceeding funds budgeted. Williams reported Tuesday that the district completed the year with an unexpended balance of about $427,000, less than one-percent of the district's $60 million budget — money that the board of education approved for return to the town.

Williams also outlined what the board can expect in the next fiscal year:

• Enrollment is expected to decline by 1.5 - 2.5 percent.
• Salaries of certified staff will increase by 3 percent.
• Health insurance costs are currently estimated to rise by 9 - 10 percent.
• Special Education tuition will increase by 10 percent.
• Utility costs will remain flat.
• Transportation costs will rise by 3 percent.
• Magnet school tuition will increase by 5 percent.