Middletown School District reviews $276M budget ahead of May 20 vote

The Middletown City School Board convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss critical updates, including the final review and adoption of the school budget for the upcoming year. The meeting began with a moment of remembrance for individuals affected by recent events, emphasizing the importance of community support and reflection.

Superintendent Tuttle presented the proposed budget, which totals approximately $276 million, reflecting a 5.23% increase from the previous year. The budget includes an administrative component of $32 million, a program budget exceeding $201 million, and a capital budget of over $42 million. Due to delays in the state budget, the district anticipates a tax levy increase of 1.99%, amounting to about $1.4 million. This increase is considered manageable compared to previous years, where the district had seen tax levies at zero or even reductions.

Board members expressed their support for the budget, highlighting the importance of community engagement in the upcoming budget vote scheduled for May 20. They urged residents to participate actively, noting that voter turnout has historically been low, with only about 800 out of over 20,000 registered voters participating in past elections.

In addition to budget discussions, the board approved several personnel appointments, including the introduction of Antoinette Thompson as the new assistant principal for English as a New Language. The meeting concluded with reminders about upcoming events, including a "Meet the Candidates" night on May 5, where community members can learn about candidates running for school board positions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to providing quality education while navigating financial challenges and fostering community involvement in school governance.