East Haven board approves 2026-27 budget and OKs occupational therapist contract
Summary
The East Haven School District Board of Education voted 7–0 (two absent) to approve the superintendent's proposed 2026-27 budget and separately approved a one-year occupational therapist contract that includes prorated personal leave and standard benefits; the budget total was not specified in the transcript.
The East Haven School District Board of Education voted to approve the superintendent's proposed 2026-27 budget and, in a separate vote, approved an occupational therapist contract.
"Make a motion that we accept the superintendent's 20 26 20 27 budget," said Speaker 5, and Speaker 3 seconded. After roll call the clerk announced, "So that is 7 yes and 2 absent." The transcript does not list a dollar amount for the proposed budget.
The board also approved the one-year occupational therapist contract that staff had reviewed earlier in the meeting. Speaker 6 moved to approve the contract and Speaker 7 seconded; a subsequent roll call again produced seven "yes" votes and two absences. The contract covers the remainder of the current school year; board materials and staff presentation noted the contract includes a prorated personal day (the hire will receive one personal day because they start about halfway through the year), accrual of 15 sick days for a full year (at 1.25 days per month), three bereavement days for immediate family members, jury-duty pay with required documentation, participation in the municipal employees retirement fund, a $50,000 life insurance policy and accidental death and dismemberment benefits. Health insurance was described as cost-shared at 20.5 percent and the new dental plan will have a 50 percent employee cost share. The position works 35 hours per week and is eligible to work extended school-year services for special education.
Board members asked about market comparability for occupational therapist pay. Speaker 6 remarked that the offer "seems kind of ... odd" because some postings elsewhere showed higher pay; Speaker 4 and others responded that the salary offer reflected the candidate's experience and that occupational therapy is a competitive field with a wide salary range depending on setting.
The votes were recorded by roll call. The seven members recorded as voting "yes" were: Miss Delongo; Miss Johnson; Miss Putney; Miss Santiago; Mr. Stacy; Mr. Ella; and Dr. DeLucia. Two members were recorded as absent during the votes: Miss De Palma and Mr. Hennessy.
No further procedural steps for the budget were stated during the meeting. The board noted the next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10.
