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Tolland board adopts 6.7% budget after hours of debate over cuts, fees and town support
Summary
After more than two hours of debate, the Tolland Board of Education voted to adopt a budget that trims the superintendent’s proposal to a 6.7% increase, drawing criticism over personnel reductions, higher pay‑to‑play fees and deferred Chromebook replacements while the town council chair pledged to pursue closer joint planning.
The Tolland Board of Education voted Feb. 11 to adopt a budget incorporating the board’s 6.7% reduction scenario after an extended discussion of tradeoffs that include staff cuts, transportation reductions and higher activity fees.
The vote followed presentations by Superintendent Dr. Willett and lengthy member debate over three scenarios the board has considered — including a previously discussed 7.9% plan and a higher, but not adopted, 9.9% option. Board members said contractual obligations and transportation account for the largest shares of projected increases; the superintendent said roughly $2.3 million of the increase is due to contractual obligations.
Why it matters: The adopted package reduces recurring district spending needs but shifts costs onto families and programs in the short term, board members and public commenters said. That includes increases in pay‑to‑play fees, reduced club support and deferred Chromebook refreshes for some grades — changes the board warned…
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