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Tolland Board Adds Budget Discussion; Member Proposes Consolidating Middle‑ and High‑School Bus Routes
Summary
The board added a high‑level budget discussion to the agenda and spent time on possible large‑ticket savings, including a proposal to consolidate some middle‑ and high‑school bus routes. Superintendent Doctor Willett asked board members to submit ideas early so staff can analyze savings.
The Tolland Board of Education voted to add a high‑level budget discussion to the agenda and spent part of the meeting discussing potential savings and next steps ahead of a dedicated budget session. Board member Brian proposed combining the middle‑school and high‑school bus routes — and consolidating other routes where feasible — as a possible “big ticket” cost‑saving measure.
Brian said he had emailed leadership earlier with the idea and asked that bus‑route scenarios be included in the district’s budget dashboard for the next detailed meeting. “I had an idea regarding some big‑ticket savings… to join the middle school and high school bus routes,” he said.
Superintendent Doctor Willett and other board members emphasized timing and the need for data. Willett said staff can prepare scenarios but needs clear direction and time; he asked members to submit specific requests as soon as possible so staff can produce figures. Board members agreed that Monday prior to next week’s meeting would be the latest practical deadline for staff to assemble options.
Why it matters: the board said it must identify roughly $2 million in reductions tied to a town manager proposal (referenced in discussion as a 2.99 figure) and wants to balance cost savings with minimal impact to students.
Board members discussed process and outreach: the communications committee proposed scheduling a public, data‑focused forum for residents to submit budget questions and receive answers from staff rather than engaging in opinion‑based back‑and‑forth online. Committee leaders said the forum would be limited to data questions and staff responses, with more detailed follow‑up provided after the meeting.
Action and follow‑up: the board approved adding the high‑level budget discussion to the agenda (procedural addition), asked staff to return next week with a set of scenario options and asked members to send budget ideas to Superintendent Willett and to staff (copying committee leads) so staff can prioritize analyses.
