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Selectmen approve letter asking governor for more state aid, citing flat education funding since 2009
Summary
The Board authorized the mayor to send a letter requesting additional state education aid after members noted Connecticut's educational cost‑sharing has been effectively flat since 2009 and the town's distressed ranking has risen.
The Board of Selectmen unanimously authorized a letter for the mayor to send to the governor requesting increased state aid to address education funding shortfalls.
Selectmen said Winchester’s Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) funding has not increased meaningfully since 2009 while enrollment and staffing pressures have grown; members described the town’s ranking as a distressed municipality rising to fourth in a recent listing. The board approved the mayor’s letter and directed staff to follow up with legislative representatives and pursue additional outreach to the governor’s office.
Board members discussed prior assertions that a formal contract with Gilbert might affect eligibility for certain reimbursements; participants said capital reimbursement rules and the mechanics of state funding deserve clarification and that the town manager and representatives will continue conversations with state officials and federal representatives to pursue relief.
The motion to authorize the mayor to sign and transmit the request passed unanimously; Town Manager Harrington said he would also send a follow‑up letter from his office and that staff will provide supporting data to legislators.
