East Hartford Board approves $106.2 million FY2027 budget, forwards plan to town council
Summary
The East Hartford Board of Education on Dec. 15 approved a $106,213,941 FY2027 budget — a 1.9% increase over the prior year — and will transmit the proposal to the mayor and town council with a public presentation tentatively set for Feb. 28.
The East Hartford Board of Education approved a $106,213,941 net budget for fiscal year 2027 on Dec. 15, a $1,981,047 increase (1.9%) from the amended FY26 budget of $104,232,894, and agreed to forward the proposal to the mayor and town council for final adoption.
Superintendent Thomas Anderson presented the proposed budget, saying it was developed with district leaders and reflects priorities in salaries and benefits, special education, secondary education, finance, information technology and program budgets. "The development process for the FY27 budget emphasizes accuracy, accountability, and authority with district leaders actively involved in crafting and managing their respective program budgets," Anderson said.
Anderson told the board the district used funds from the alliance grant and the magnet cap grant to limit the increase. Board members praised the clarity of the presentation; one member said the finance materials made it "easy to understand where we stand." After brief discussion, a motion to approve the FY'27 budget was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board noted the approval is the district's recommendation to municipal leaders. "Now that the board has approved our FY '27 budget, it will be transmitted to council and the mayor for their consideration," the chair said, and a public presentation to the town council is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 28, with final adoption expected in March 2026.
Budget materials presented to the board identified six key cost drivers and emphasized ongoing collaboration with state legislative leaders and the town of East Hartford to advance the FY27 process. The superintendent said the budget and the district’s investment priorities are intended to support consistent, high‑quality opportunities for the district’s roughly 6,000 students.
The board approved several routine items on the same agenda, including creation of a consent calendar for first‑read policies and multiple meeting minutes, all carried by voice vote. The budget approval does not, by itself, change town appropriations; final spending levels will depend on council and mayoral action.
