Stratford Public Schools unveils $132M budget for 2025-2026 with focus on growth

In a recent meeting held on February 5, 2025, the Stratford Board of Education received a comprehensive budget presentation for the 2025-2026 school year from the Stratford School District. The proposed budget totals approximately $130.3 million, reflecting a 2.66% increase from the previous year. This increase is primarily driven by rising wages, benefits, and special education services, highlighting the district's commitment to maintaining quality education and support for its students.

The budget emphasizes fiscal responsibility while ensuring that essential services and staff positions are preserved during a critical period for the district. The increase in wages, amounting to $4.2 million, is attributed to negotiated contracts aimed at keeping staff competitive. Additionally, benefits costs are expected to rise by $2 million, largely due to increased healthcare and retirement expenses. Special education services will see an increase of $1.2 million, underscoring the district's focus on meeting the diverse needs of its student population.

Transportation costs are also a significant aspect of the budget, with regular student transportation projected at $2.6 million, a 3.16% increase. Special transportation costs are expected to rise by 3.95%, ensuring that all students have safe access to education, regardless of their program.

A notable change in the budget methodology is the significant decrease in special education tuition costs, which have dropped by 24.57%. This strategic shift allows for more efficient resource allocation while maintaining flexibility to address students' needs as they arise. The district plans to seek excess cost funding from the state to support these initiatives, advocating for better funding for students with exceptionalities.

Utility costs are also addressed in the budget, with electricity expenses projected to rise by 16.6%, while gas heating costs are expected to decrease by 25.42% due to energy efficiency measures. The overall utilities budget reflects a modest increase of 2.33%, demonstrating the district's commitment to sustainability and cost-effective energy management.

The proposed budget is not merely a financial document; it represents a vision for the future of Stratford Public Schools. It aims to lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth, academic excellence, and the well-being of students and staff. The next steps include a thorough review by the board finance committee and collaborative workshops to gather feedback before final approval and submission to the town.

As the district moves forward, the emphasis remains on creating an inspiring and inclusive educational environment for every student, with community support deemed essential for achieving these goals. The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions and comments, signaling an open dialogue as the budget process continues.