Middletown leaders defend 3.99% superintendent's budget as residents and council demand answers on special education, bus contract and staff cuts

Superintendent Dr. Adley presented a 3.99% superintendent's budget to the Middletown Common Council and Board of Education on March 31, asking council members for feedback before the board votes this week.

The budget arrived amid pointed questions about per-pupil spending and how the district's roughly $25,000 per-student net current expenditure compares with state and peer districts. "We are in the middle of the DRG," Dr. Adley said, adding that Middletown's per-pupil figures are slightly above the state average of about $24,000 and that spending is concentrated in several areas.

Why it matters: Council members and board representatives pressed administrators for evidence that the higher spending yields improved outcomes, asking for clearer accountability measures and data linking dollars to classroom results.

Key budget drivers and numbers - Special education: Administrators said the district budgets around $30 million in the general fund for special education and expects roughly $7 million from grants, for a total near $37'$38 million for special education this year. The district has 983 identified special education students (about 20% of enrollment). "Special education is a significant part of this budget," Dr. Adley said. - High-cost placements: Council members noted 45 students currently cost roughly $140,000 each for education and transportation; Dr. Adley said the district aims to expand in-house services where feasible but that some students require specialized external placements. - DATCO contract: Administrators said a recent amendment to the district's DATCO transportation contract adds a $500,000 annual contribution for driver benefits and extends obligations through the 2028'29 school year, locking the district into multi-year cost increases of 4.9% and 5.9% in later years. - Legal expenses: Shipman & Goodwin invoices through February totaled approximately $331,567, plus about $15,000 for Bartlett Law, totaling roughly $346,853 to date; staff projected a FY27 legal line of about $280,000. - Preschool revenue and enrollment: The district reported collecting just over $90,000 this year in sliding-scale preschool fees for ~135 students; about $35,000 of that was earmarked for preschool transportation next year.

Staffing and program changes The proposed budget shows a net staffing reduction of about 12.5 full-time equivalent positions. Administrators cited enrollment changes, grant expirations and program reprioritization as reasons for several proposed cuts and redeployments. Notable items the district described: - Reductions in several interventionist roles and an overall reduction of seven high school teaching positions tied to enrollment and course consolidation. - Elimination or reduction of some family engagement liaison positions (grant-funded and general fund), with administrators saying outreach responsibilities would be absorbed by nurses, social workers and other staff where possible. - New or expanded investments in behavioral technicians, MTSS supports and certain compliance positions for special education.

Council members pushed back on both the scale of cuts and the accountability for high-cost areas. "Are we getting what we're paying for?" one council member asked about the roughly $10,000 spending gap they cited between Middletown and a comparison district. Dr. Adley acknowledged academic challenges and said the budget is intended to be transparent about where dollars go so future boards can target changes.

Redistricting and long-term planning Administrators said the board has not approved formal redistricting but that it could begin if the board chooses, noting redistricting associated with the planned Mcdana school opening in 2028 would require consultant support and early community engagement.

Next steps The board and council were reminded the BOE expects to vote on the budget at a separate meeting. The board scheduled a vote meeting for Friday at 5:30 p.m.; the public workshop and question responses will remain available online.

"We understand the needs and the anxiety this budget is causing," an administrator said. "We will get through it together."