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Board approves superintendent—udget reductions after town offsets leave 2.99% target
Summary
After town council offsets of about $488,000, the Tolland Board approved the superintendent—udget reductions presented April 9, leaving a proposed operating increase that the administration described as 2.99 percent.
The Tolland Board of Education voted April 9 to accept the superintendent—udget reductions as presented, after town council actions freed about $488,000 of the district request and reduced the amount of spending the board would need to remove.
Superintendent Dr. Willett and finance staff described two council offsets that the administration said reduced the district—udget pressure: a plan to use $188,000 from the town—ducational reserve fund to pay for TMS auditorium seats (moving that cost to capital rather than operating) and permission to apply $300,000 from the town—6 utility internal service fund (UISF) toward rising energy costs. Willett said the combined $488,000 allowed the administration to restore several staff positions the board had previously considered cutting.
Finance staff outlined remaining budget pressures and line items that are over budget for FY25, including substitute coverage, overtime and special-education contracted services. The administration also presented a staffing proposal for ABIS (behavior/intervention) roles at Birch Grove driven by special-education caseload needs: 2.75 FTEs would be funded through grants, with 1.25 FTE funded by reallocating vacant budgeted positions; the projected net FY26 impact after grant money is about $16,930, the administration said.
Willett reviewed the reduction worksheet: after the town council offsets and other adjustments the superintendent presented, the proposed operating increase would be 2.99 percent and the list of recommended reductions was smaller than earlier drafts. The administration said one remaining teacher reduction would be a high-school math teacher; other retained items in the budget package included funding for clubs and activities, an SRO at current levels and preservation of most school-based positions.
Board members pressed for details on how some changes would affect programs. Members asked for follow-ups on pay-to-play (athletics) pricing, family caps, and whether increasing fees would reduce participation for lower-income families. Board members also discussed open choice (tuitioned admissions from other districts) and noted that revenue from a proposed district solar project would not be realized until FY27 because construction would not begin until summer 2026.
After discussion, Board member Dana moved to accept the superintendent—udget reductions as presented; a second was made and the motion passed by recorded voice vote with board members Jaden, Rene, Brian, Bill, Dana, Dan, Katie and one other voting aye. The board chair announced the motion carried.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve superintendent reductions as presented (April 9, 2025): approved; recorded ayes: Jaden, Rene, Brian, Bill, Dana, Dan, Katie and one other; outcome: approved.
Ending: The board adopted the superintendent-proposed reductions for inclusion in the district—udget documents to be posted for the upcoming referendum process; administration said it will continue to pursue grants and town-level offsets and report back to the board on any funding changes.
