Stratford committee recommends 2025 budget to full board after debate on utilities, technology and grant risks

The Stratford School District Finance Committee voted unanimously on Feb. 10 to send the proposed fiscal 2025 operating budget to the full Board of Education with a favorable recommendation, following discussion about rising utility costs, technology needs and the district’s reliance on grant funding.

The committee vote followed presentations from district staff and extended discussion by board members. "Overall, there is an increase of 4.79% in the facilities budget," District administrator Miss Mangini told the committee as she opened the facilities review. The committee also heard that electricity costs show a 16.60% increase in the utilities line.

Why it matters: The committee’s recommendation advances a budget that district leaders described as a "foundational" plan meant to maintain current programs and staffing while limiting new recurring expenditures. Board members raised questions about whether flat or level funding leaves the district unable to restore services cut in prior years and how the district would respond if federal grants are reduced.

Facilities and utilities: District staff said the facilities budget rise is driven in part by multi‑year contract steps and specific service-contract increases. In response to a board question about cleaning contracts, the committee heard the contract contains stepped increases in year two and three. Facilities director Rich Ruggero was present to answer operational questions.

On utilities, staff told the committee the budget reflects higher transmission charges and last year’s one-time electricity savings not repeating in 2025. "We budgeted that year and, again this year," Miss Mangini said, adding the district expects some natural gas savings and that solar installations have reduced overall electric costs somewhat. Committee members also heard the district is monitoring decisions affecting the Millstone power plant that could affect future rates.

Technology and instructional software: The technology budget showed an overall reduction but includes several targeted items. The committee discussed Chromebooks, lifecycle plans and a review of instructional platforms. Technology staff said elementary Chromebook fleets are generally in good condition, the district will review devices over the summer, and $5,000 is included to replace aged units as needed.

Board members pressed about work on artificial intelligence and a potential AI policy. Technology staff told the committee the AI task force is evaluating platforms; "I don't believe we're gonna be rolling out an actual platform this year," a staff member said, adding that any AI tools would likely replace existing instructional software and be cost‑neutral within instructional software lines.

The committee also discussed classroom cell‑phone management options. "They continue to . . . move further down the list in terms of possibilities both because of potential costs, and difficulty in implementation," said Dr. Piazza of the implementation challenges associated with phone pouches.

Staff reported the district is piloting or evaluating a product called Magic School that could replace Newsela and other reading‑level platforms if analysis shows sufficient overlap; Dr. Eckler is conducting a feasibility study of program usage and teacher needs.

Instructional supplies and textbooks: The committee reviewed increases in the 600 object codes for instructional supplies and the 700 object codes for furniture and equipment. Staff said additional funding is requested for DIBELS (an electronic assessment) for grades 2–8, new digital French and Spanish textbooks at the secondary level, supplemental secondary reading materials, and MyPath instructional supplies. The district said some textbook purchases were not budgeted last year and are being included in 2025 to support approved curriculum changes.

Grant dependence and risk: Several board members pressed administrators about the district’s reliance on grant funding for positions and programs. One board member summarized the scale cited in the meeting: about 85 positions plus roughly 15 stipends supported by grants across multiple programs, totaling about $8.8 million in grant-funded budget items as discussed at the meeting. Board members asked how the district would respond if federal grants such as Title I were reduced.

Administrators said the budget is intentionally foundational and that, if large grant reductions occur, district leaders would work with town officials to identify options and communicate changes promptly. "If and when that happens, your superintendent needs to go make a plan to go sit over with the town," Miss Mangini said. The administration noted it absorbed about $100,000 of a reduction this year through personnel transitions and vacancies.

Committee action and vote: Committee member Dr. Piazza moved to recommend the fiscal 2025 budget to the full board; Mr. Henrich seconded. A roll call resulted in a unanimous committee recommendation to forward the budget. Committee members who voted yes included (as recorded during roll call) Mr. Pita, Ms. Carpathian, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Cormier, Ms. Daniel Powers, Mr. Henrich and the chair. The chair announced the motion carried and the budget will advance to the full Board of Education for consideration.

What’s next: The full board will consider the recommended operating budget at a subsequent meeting. Administrators said they will continue analysis of technology platforms, monitor utility and energy developments, and communicate promptly with the board and town officials if grant funding changes require midcourse adjustments.

Ending: Committee members and administrators emphasized the recommendation aims to preserve current staffing and services while creating a stable baseline from which the district can plan future restorations or expansions.