Tolland board adopts 6.7% budget after hours of debate over cuts, fees and town support

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 could reduce access for lower‑income students if the town does not step in.

Most significant details

- Fee increases and caps: Under the adopted 6.7% scenario, pay‑to‑play fees for athletics at the middle and high school would rise to $399 per season from current levels (discussed as $300 in prior years). The board preserved a family cap on fees but members said it would need to be raised in this scenario to realize the projected savings.

- Staffing and services: The reductions include the elimination or non‑rehiring of a number of positions rolled into the line‑item changes; members cited a net of roughly 10 line reductions (with multiple positions and several that represent filled staff) and two buses removed from service. Board members repeatedly warned of “reverberating” effects on nurses, coaches and other student supports.

- Technology and Chromebooks: The working 6.7% scenario removes scheduled Chromebook refreshes for some grades. Dr. Willett and board members discussed seeking a special capital funding arrangement with the town council to preserve device replacements, noting that state guidance can classify computers as capital purchases but that the town has historically treated them as operating costs.

- Security and SRO funding: Board leaders discussed the possibility of brokering town funding for school security (including the SRO) and some technology items; Dr. Willett said if security and certain technology were funded by the town the district’s required increase could fall toward the 4–5% range.

Board debate and council engagement

Board members split between protecting programs and seeking a number that could garner unanimity and a clearer message to the town council. Board member Dana Philbin said she remained committed to a higher budget for students and staff and warned that cuts would price families out of activities; Philbin voted against the 6.7% adoption.

Town Council Chair Christopher Moran addressed the board after members voted to suspend the rules to invite him to speak. Moran said he personally believes the schools have been underfunded and committed to exploring alternative funding and improved joint planning between the council and the board, but he said he could not promise the council’s final fiscal position at this stage.

Public comment and next steps

Parents and residents praised some programs in the schools, singled out teacher‑led SAT prep as a valuable equalizer and asked the board to present budgets in program terms rather than percentages so voters can see concrete impacts. The superintendent said the updated budget documents incorporating the 6.7% reductions will be posted digitally for public review later this week.

The board passed the motion to adopt the 6.7% scenario by roll call. Superintendent Dr. Willett said he will post the revised digital budget and supporting narratives to the district budget page so town leaders and residents can review the specifics before further joint meetings with the council.