Superintendent warns redistricting, benefits and new buildings make 2026–27 Cheshire budget unusually uncertain

Superintendent Dr. Soler told the Cheshire School District finance committee that redistricting, rising benefit costs and energy uncertainty tied to two new all-electric buildings make the 2026–27 budget unusually difficult to project.

Dr. Soler opened the meeting with a packet that included last year—s superintendent-recommended budget presentation and a two-sided summary of special budget considerations for 2026–27, then walked members through the most important variables staff are modeling. "Our current, student per teacher count at the elementary level is probably as high as it's been, in a long time at 18.8," he said, adding that lowering that ratio to 18.0 under current enrollment projections would require adding about 10 staff — a step he called unlikely.

Why it matters: class-size choices and redistricting options determine how many sections the district will need and therefore influence salary and hiring costs. Dr. Soler said staff have considered five redistricting options and identify two…