Waterbury Board of Education approves $233M operating budget for 2025-2026

The Waterbury Board of Education made significant strides in its financial planning during the meeting held on June 18, 2025, approving a comprehensive budget aimed at enhancing educational services for the community. The board unanimously passed a motion to approve the Department of Education's operating budget for the 2025-2026 school year, totaling $71,617,091. This budget reflects a commitment to maintaining essential services, including pupil transportation and operational maintenance.

Key components of the budget include a substantial allocation of $500,000 for electricity and $1,244,000 for pupil transportation, ensuring that schools can operate efficiently and students can travel safely. Additionally, the board has set aside $1,460,000 for transfers to a sinking fund, which is crucial for long-term financial stability and infrastructure improvements.

The approval of this budget is particularly significant for Waterbury residents, as it directly impacts the quality of education and resources available to students. The board's decision to allocate funds from various surpluses, including a $14,450,000 surplus and additional contingency funds, demonstrates a proactive approach to managing the district's finances while addressing immediate educational needs.

In other discussions, Commissioner Van Stone contributed to the dialogue, although specific details of his comments were not captured in the transcript. The overall tone of the meeting reflected a collaborative effort among board members to prioritize the educational needs of the community.

As the Waterbury Board of Education moves forward with this budget, the focus will remain on enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. The community can look forward to seeing how these financial decisions will translate into improved services and support for local schools in the coming year.