Finance Board Begins Budget Deliberations

The town’s Board of Finance convened Wednesday night to receive the school budget and begin its deliberations on the entire town budget, including the schools' capital spending plan. But in the end, the board decided to tackle cutting at its next meeting, after members had the chance to digest all the numbers.

But not before school officials made their case.

It’s a silver-lining approach. First, highlight the savings realized in the proposed $32.2 million Stonington Public Schools 2011-2012 budget – a 2.23 percent increase over last year -- like the $163,588 saved with the innovative Community Classrooms program. The curriculum has students learning in ‘classrooms’ with community partners including Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium and Avalon at Stoneridge.

School officials say this is a good example of the type of programming “aimed at meeting the goals outlined in the strategic plan while continuing to recognize fiscal responsibility in light of continued economic difficulties throughout the state.”

Other savings include decreased special education transportation – for the first time -- by keeping kids in-district, reduced health insurance costs and the reallocation of money from eliminating 322 hours of special education paraprofessional time by having those services provided by existing certified teachers.  

 “I believe this budget preserves our commitment to excellence … while maintaining our pledge to fiscal responsibility and transparency,” Leanne Masterjoseph, schools superintendent, said. “We’ve scrutinized every line item. I believe we’ve really done our homework on this budget. It’s a budget that does not slash programs, but instead sets us poised to ensure student success in college and the world of employment.”

Following the schools presentation, Finance Board Chairman Glenn J. Frishman,  spoke frankly.

“I don’t want to burst your bubble … but I don’t think Hartford is going to come to our rescue. Everyone on this board wishes (they were) able to give you everything you want but there will probably be reductions. There will be reductions. Get out a very sharp pencil,” Frishman cautioned.

Following a brief recess, board deliberations began.

Frishman explained that to get to a zero increase, the board would have to cut close to $2 million from the entire budget – school and town. Currently the proposed 2011-2012 town budget stands at $22.6 million, which represents a 0.29 percent increase over last year.

Finance board member John O’Brien said “a slight increase is possible, reasonable.”

Frishman said he’d be willing to see an increase of no greater than 0.23 percent and “to get there we’d have to cut $1.2 million” from the entire budget.  Using $400,000 from the town’s fund balance, the board would need to cut another $800,000.

And so, as the board prepared to “digest” the schools capital and operating budgets, Frishman said, “the target (for cuts) will reveal itself.”

The Finance Board continues its deliberations March 16 and March 23. The budget public hearing is slated for April 13.