Dear Saxe Parents,
The Board of Education (BOE) is in the midst of school budget negotiations with the town and parents should be aware of the required cuts.
To get a lay of the land, the proposed school budget for 2018-2019 came in at a heavily negotiated and whittled down 3.48% increase (year-over-year). How does the increase breakdown: 3.35% of the increase is due to contractual obligations the BOE must fulfill (via insurance, salaries and benefits/healthcare), which leaves only 0.13% for growth and expansion — and this is before the proposed cuts.
Now, the Board of Finance has asked the BOE to reduce the school budget by $1.3M, to arrive at a 2% year-over-year increase. By removing $1.3M from the budget, one should expect cuts to existing programs and services.
New Canaan Schools currently rank #1 in the state for performance; however, it’s a slippery slope when proper funding doesn’t go through to support our current programs, services and staff. Also worth noting: in the past 10 years, NC has had the lowest overall growth in expenditures per student in our Demographic Reference Group (which includes Darien, Wilton, Weston, Easton/Redding, Westport and Ridgefield). link to data
For quick reference: Budget Quick Notes are provided by the BOE and are very helpful in digesting all the budget info and updates. click here for budget notes
**** WHAT CAN YOU DO? ****
Please attend the Public Hearing Tonight
Tuesday, March 6th at 7pm @ Town Hall
There will be an open mic to speak directly to the BOF members.
New voices are impactful. If you are not a fan of speaking in public, simply attend.
The parent community presence alone is big statement in and of itself
We hope to see you tonight,
Susan Gelvin and Kate Van Dussen