Weston board hears public concerns as health‑insurance costs drive proposed 2025–26 school budget

At a Weston Board of Education meeting, public commenters and district officials focused on health‑insurance and capital‑project costs that are driving the proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget.

Residents said the insurance increase is unusually large and asked how the board plans to respond. "It seems not just high, but extraordinary," said Debbie Lowe, a Weston resident, during the public‑comment period. Residents also pressed the district for clearer capital estimates and longer‑term planning for school facilities.

The district said insurance cost growth is the budget's largest single driver and that current estimates remain uncertain. A district finance official told the meeting the district's claims experience over the past 18 months has been about 35% higher than prior levels and that outside consultants (Brown & Brown) have suggested a possible 25%–30% range for the coming year. The official said a state partnership plan estimate for Fairfield County shows a smaller increase, roughly 9%–11%, but that comparisons are imperfect because of differences in…