Board of Education Passes Its Budget

The board of education approved its 2011-2012 budget Tuesday night. The proposed $62,797,320 budget shows an increase of $954,991 or 1.54 percent over the current budget.

The education budget will next be presented to the board of finance at its March 15 meeting at 6 p.m. in town hall.

The board of finance had given budget guidelines of a 1 percent decrease in spending, no increase or 1 percent increase.

Superintendent of Schools Diane Ullman said the budget focus was to be fiscally responsible and continue the high return on investment the school system provides. The increase is due mostly to employees contracts, insurance and pension issues. Of the 75 major budget accounts 51 have no increase.

Also approved on Tuesday was the proposed $524,208 2011-2012 non-public school budget, which represents and increase of $4,584 or 0.88 percent. This is money that goes toward items such as transportation for residents who attend private school within the community, as mandated by state law.

The next step is a presentation of the budget to the board of finance on March 15. In April the board of finance will hold a public hearing on the town and board of education budgets. After the board of finance approves the budgets, there will be a town meeting and finally a referendum in May.

For more information go to the board of education's Web site budget page or click here.