Ellington board frames budget referendum after motor-vehicle tax change; adds first read on nonresident attendance policy

The Ellington Board of Education on March 26 outlined revenue shifts tied to a new motor-vehicle tax law and the town’s budget choices as key drivers of this year’s referendum, and the board approved adding a first reading to revise Policy 5.420 (nonresident attendance).

Board Chair Zen told the board he filed testimony with the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority on an unrelated utility matter, saying, “I did submit testimony today to Pura regarding Eversource Gas, who is looking to increase their rates by 43% as of 11/01/2025, which would, be a $54,919.60 increase for the board of education.” That statement was given as background on near-term budget pressures the district is tracking.

Superintendent Dr. Nickel said the district has tried to limit spending growth and that the board previously adopted a 2.89% budget; after identifying roughly $226,000 in reductions the board’s…