[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6653558,"mediaKeyId","2478274-d853c3f694cc7b791f24439f0bd355d0","parentId",2478274,"title","CABE representative warns board of vetoed special-education funding, urges local testimony","audioSeconds",1439,"startMs",1260000,"endMs",2699000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2478274-d853c3f694cc7b791f24439f0bd355d0&start=1260&end=2699","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2478274-d853c3f694cc7b791f24439f0bd355d0/thumbnail_1260000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6653558/Connecticut/CABE-representative-warns-board-of-vetoed-special-education-funding-urges-local-testimony","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653558-939967f90f89623a2277de25dcb5e8b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140525&Signature=mN4fKVIdmRAxGAGa-DM~dkryz3hS8AS6ch33uIwOtZTr4TwJ9FwdpndS0OgKRCT0dMZRsk3YNKYqkgZD6uyV9mbTRKj3RvlwrAfdoLz-vsrKpxf8MJHvZpYQGFOw4afqPDNzHTUSFD2ZCaKKeNk6u~VXCr2pENlLo1AujHiBWP49FbdDy9AALmVQtikHX0mG1e4lFJFePtgSna~BGUF-Fem8-TgC4~2GQY1FQoL6ZjXRJWGASqBkj7cxSJK9dekd1-ZuXO1vBkfeIN8jMsXWVLcjLasEchE9GmA5fcVPBoM1PSG1KutOr1MQbjR04-su5~LDR~-dQoYcWCvpivw7jg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Canaan School District","date","2025-03-04T01:23:25.963Z","article","Sheila McKay, a legislative representative with CABE, told the Buchanan Board of Education on March 3 that the governor has line‑item vetoed an addition of $40,000,000 to the state’s excess‑cost reimbursement grant and that the legislature may seek a veto override as soon as Wednesday.

McKay said the House had approved the add‑in at “45 to 5 with 5 absent” and the Senate at “34 to 2,” and she urged board members, administrators and families to contact legislators and provide testimony at the override and related hearings. \"Please get us your stories,\" she said, asking districts to submit written and in‑person comments for a select committee public hearing expected in mid‑March.

Why it matters: McKay said the excess‑cost reimbursement helps districts defray unusually high special‑education costs—tuition, transportation and nonpublic placements—that can exceed many times a district’s per‑pupil cost. She warned that underfunding or changes to the reimbursement formula could reduce local receipts; in New Canaan, recent formula changes would have reduced the district’s reimbursement by approximately $200,000 to $250,000 under the distribution model discussed.

McKay gave a broad legislative briefing touching on several bills and topics of interest to districts. She summarized: the state is studying possible rate setting for tuition and other payments for special‑education placements; a proposal exists to change the excess‑cost threshold (now described at “4½ times” per‑pupil in current testimony) to lower multipliers (3½ times or lower were mentioned in testimony); and the new select committee on special education is collecting evidence on what is “working and what’s not” across districts.

On other pending measures, McKay said legislators are considering:
- A paraeducator benefit proposal that would provide a partial state contribution toward health‑savings accounts and could leave districts responsible for matching costs; CABE urged those costs be bargained locally.
- A bill to codify State Board of Education guidance on student use of smart devices; CABE supported codifying the August 2024 guidelines rather than adopting stricter statewide rules.
- A proposal to require cardiac response plans and wider AED availability in school buildings; McKay said grant funding for AEDs was being discussed but cautioned about ongoing maintenance costs for devices.
- Legislation to set a process for library complaints and a defined complaint pathway that, according to testimony she cited, would require districts to adopt policies and processes so librarians and districts can handle challenges without escalating every case to a formal complaint.

McKay also noted long‑running work on Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding and teacher‑recruitment initiatives, including teacher residency expansions that had lost promised funds in the current biennium.

Questions from district staff followed. Bill Tesberg, assistant superintendent for pupil and family services, asked whether adjusting the excess‑cost threshold for in‑district versus out‑of‑district students remained under discussion; McKay said it was still on the table. Superintendent Dr. Lutze and board members were urged to organize testimony and district stories for the select committee’s hearing window.

Looking ahead, McKay encouraged participation in statewide advocacy events, including a planned \"Day in the Hill\" on March 12 where district representatives can meet legislators.

Provenance: Excerpts of McKay’s remarks and follow-up questions were recorded throughout the legislative‑update segment of the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education March 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Sheila McKay, a legislative representative with CABE, told the Buchanan Board of Education on March 3 that the governor has line‑item vetoed an additional $40,000,000 for the state’s excess‑cost reimbursement grant and urged districts to testify for an override.","taxTitle","New Canaan School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",59443,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6653545,"Board approves New Canaan High School graduation for June 16, 2025; routine agenda and minutes approved",131,3753000,3884000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2478274-d853c3f694cc7b791f24439f0bd355d0&start=3753&end=3884","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2478274-d853c3f694cc7b791f24439f0bd355d0/thumbnail_3753000.jpg","/articles/6653545/Connecticut/Board-approves-New-Canaan-High-School-graduation-for-June-16-2025-routine-agenda-and-minutes-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653545-ad72a099593c59466739e6007199a7df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140525&Signature=hp4sfkkx2BbmXHExWsAR6xXSro~q~DySCpfVNprx8IIp1TOTXnaexIfI6arHZHzjLuzvisC~f0sZ~3Qmdwx8YWitxXM-LlWCVc2vPHNV0LOUN-fANGqrGOPozSBu5nkSXGTFvT4sg-PvleFmAtQfVt0JwfyuNzP3dyY~pxIScYMjSAMnt0o2gSCKh4I~ODKy7N08mcisvnr0Ult8tWwQ-PR~meUTN0c0mQXUXTTylQcEidPol97xIRtsrAqiLyeng1IvgTgpJkGeJVzOtQMWVjLcvtWPYJJz9gBOXoazH~zqAvgge3ACdlBxGofUgI6-QgagXOjWebZrH2x6Azae7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Buchanan Board of Education on March 3 approved the New Canaan High School graduation date for the Class of 2025. The board approved Monday, June 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. as the graduation date, with a rain date of Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The board’s announcement noted the date aligns with the district’s 180th day requirement and that rehearsal and the grad walk are scheduled the week before.

The meeting also recorded routine procedural votes: the agenda for the March 3 meeting and the minutes of the February 10 meeting were approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance
- Approve agenda for March 3, 2025: outcome — approved (voice vote). Transcript record: motion made and the board chair called for the vote; \"all in favor\" was recorded.
- Approve minutes of February 10, 2025: outcome — approved (voice vote). Transcript record: motion made, seconded and \"all in favor\" recorded.
- Approve NCHS graduation date, Monday 06/16/2025 at 10:30 a.m., rain date Tuesday 06/17/2025: outcome — approved (voice vote). Transcript record: board chair requested a motion; the clerk recorded \"Wex second, Matt, all in favor. Excellent motion passes.\" The board later adjourned by voice vote.

Why it matters: Setting graduation provides families and event planners certainty about rehearsal, ceremony timing and school calendar logistics. The board noted the date is subject to statute requiring graduation on or after the 180th day of school and that the rain date is the following day.

Provenance: The motions and approvals are recorded in the meeting transcript within the meeting’s opening procedural block and the action‑item section regarding graduation.","The Buchanan Board of Education voted to set New Canaan High School graduation for Monday, June 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., with a rain date of June 17; the meeting also recorded approval of the meeting agenda and prior meeting minutes.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6653549,"Parents urge curriculum transparency and legal compliance; other speakers defend district practices",1667,723000,2390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2478274-d853c3f694cc7b791f24439f0bd355d0&start=723&end=2390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2478274-d853c3f694cc7b791f24439f0bd355d0/thumbnail_723000.jpg","/articles/6653549/Connecticut/Parents-urge-curriculum-transparency-and-legal-compliance-other-speakers-defend-district-practices","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653549-d3b9b152d4f264ee27a2b20f07961e51/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140525&Signature=IrgUPyHy-9wd-gYHdg7NFCfsKyGU5FKlQYnd-iTKqwduECLCwNUdHyqkrEEEE3F9yIHMwjfF6IUX~MUzgvYC8mQutGJWQLDLiwbgJpUUjNKwY9gsvPtpdNwlEWyPN1RiwonE6JoJ4rIy66LjpbJ4W4pUffDHZuX3WjRYY361uyqze6MshSlesm8E3Ogcn055IO3XrpRYCjxF6W36-6RpNjRTFXu5~h94mfi2WUhPAN6VJfeCIgIqYjv~tQKhhUOexQDAIACxiud1J~~9WMv8jijRcztYv4YQo9ZGrhsA35xIQd3rP6N72LdKK4wm6V6JOZqcplcYxt-WEjk~wA4SAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple members of the public used the board’s two‑minute public‑comment slots on March 3 to press the Buchanan Board of Education for greater transparency about curriculum selection and to ask for evidence the board’s policies comply with Connecticut law.

Mary Anne Knog, a retired educator who identified her address, said she has not received an update on a curriculum‑review committee’s workshop that was first raised in October and asked the board to publish findings. She also asked whether students still recite the Pledge of Allegiance and whether pride flags remain in some classrooms; the transcript records her questions but not a staff response at the time.

Julia Farber, identified as living on Sagamore Trail, said she submitted a formal request that the board review policies she believes may not be in compliance with Connecticut statute she referenced as \"ten‑two‑twenty.\" She asked the board to publish comparisons of district policy to the statute and to state corrective steps if gaps exist. Farber told the board she wants documented evidence that policies were developed with community input; she said, \"We voted for you... We trusted you. Now we need you to respect parents, respect families, and ensure the school's part of our children's education is suitable for everyone in New Canaan.\"

Several other speakers offered contrasting views. Sarah Lohman, a 15‑year resident and parent of three district students, said district communication has been \"timely, clear\" and called the district’s curriculum process \"transparent\". She opposed lay review of educators’ professional work and said opt‑out channels exist. Drew McGraton and Andre Asper, other members of the public, also spoke: McGraton said parents are not trained educators and argued for deference to professionals; Asper urged renewed outreach connecting students with STEM careers.

Why it matters: Public commenters asked the board for (a) a clear status update on the curriculum‑review committee, (b) publication of any compliance checks against the state statute alleged by speakers, and (c) clarity about classroom flags and pledge procedures. Board members did not announce a formal response at the time; the transcript records requests and concerns expressed during public comment.

Provenance: Public‑comment remarks appear throughout the meeting’s comment block beginning approximately at timestamp 07:00 and include exchanges between residents and district staff and board members.","Several members of the public told the board they want a formal curriculum review, documentation of compliance with Connecticut statutes, and clear opt‑out procedures; other parents voiced trust in district educators and opposed lay review of curriculum.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6653553,"Superintendent outlines budget, insurance and capital changes; board told to expect modest savings",900,2700000,3600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2478274-d853c3f694cc7b791f24439f0bd355d0&start=2700&end=3600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2478274-d853c3f694cc7b791f24439f0bd355d0/thumbnail_2700000.jpg","/articles/6653553/Connecticut/Superintendent-outlines-budget-insurance-and-capital-changes-board-told-to-expect-modest-savings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653553-526c4cd01f0702db2ce183e5c3dab304/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140525&Signature=X0SUxR-i73~w1MHcuG-SeWrSglypzIEVChE7OdLDklu5sVHhG~0bRUMtwR7pnwgHRGqec4pjYpFUhNiGlU0ZExein6lUNZ3BW04hkBic3ZoPhps1Orj7Xzv9wHudWxbsgiWv4rlfEKM9ATjch571yZvTMyaZklJXUJYKCw~VE0vTTJbbjmntMbUvCFwuwIkBUiXvwnTqJuv-0pHEQb6Y4K9GYKi3LRvLfQi9H5GJtGEHOfJsZ~SKl6EOFMOqBKxwScA9s0aOrUAeO5gg3ZLCBVKzwVjHr3o9eov9gTzgJ0jgPoTKg-n776DMy2JR~uN8ooGLYyEMSChu8ZL53rVvDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Lutze gave the Buchanan Board of Education a detailed budget update on March 3, saying district documents shared with the Board of Finance show New Canaan sits near the midpoint among comparable districts and that officials are identifying modest reductions ahead of the FY‑26 budget cycle.

Key points: Dr. Lutze said a 10‑year lookback shows the district typically turns back some unspent operating funds at year end; a recent high of about $2,078,000 returned to the town reflected pandemic‑era savings. For the current fiscal year to January, the district’s operating‑fund expense actual was $55,300,000, or 50.6% of a $109,000,000 full‑year budget, Mr. Sean O’Keefe reported.

Insurance and reserves: Dr. Lutze and staff explained the district is self‑insured for health claims, which complicates direct comparisons with fully insured neighboring districts (Darien was named as an example). Self‑insurance produced a sizable reserve during the pandemic (when claims dropped), and staff said recent claims trends suggest the district may reduce its stop‑loss renewal assumption from a 15% budget increase to something near 5%, potentially saving roughly $125,000–$140,000 on the renewal. In combination with other operating adjustments, the district expects to present about $300,000 in operating reductions to the Board of Finance.

Capital adjustments: The superintendent outlined specific capital‑budget reductions and re‑allocations that together reduce the FY‑26 request by $932,819. Specific changes cited included a $250,000 reduction for masonry (funds exist from prior bonds), an $80,000 reduction in painting (focused on the high school and Saks), a $100,000 reduction to the Saks ceiling‑tile initiative, and turning back $71,819 in FY‑23 engineering general funds. Dr. Lutze said the East School walking trail request (about $30,000) will be funded by the school PTC and removed from the town request.

Scoreboard and timing: The district plans to fast‑track replacement of the Dunning field scoreboard via a bond or special appropriation so it can be installed before the fall season; officials noted the current board is 13–14 years old and parts lead times are long. Courtyard resurfacing at Saks will be phased using existing funds plus a reduced request.

Operations and next steps: Dr. Lutze said the administration is examining transportation, attrition opportunities across staffing, heating fuel and other operational levers. He recommended a joint review with the Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen and town finance staff in June (or earlier) to dive deeper into insurance and long‑term planning. The administration will bring a revised operating and capital package to the Board of Finance in advance of their next meeting.

Provenance: Budget figures and capital‑adjustment details were presented in the district’s budget packet and discussed between 27:00 and 33:00 of the meeting recording.","Dr. Lutze and finance staff told the board the district is mid‑pack among peers, that self‑insured claims have driven recent reserve activity, and that the FY‑26 budget request will be trimmed by about $932,819 in capital and an estimated ~$300,000 on the operating side pending insurance renewals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CABE representative warns board of vetoed special-education funding, urges local testimony

Board approves New Canaan High School graduation for June 16, 2025; routine agenda and minutes approved

Parents urge curriculum transparency and legal compliance; other speakers defend district practices

Superintendent outlines budget, insurance and capital changes; board told to expect modest savings