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Regional district presents $30.07 million FY26 budget with six proposed position cuts
Summary
District staff presented a $30,065,869 FY26 budget that trims the district's level-service increase to 3.93% from 5.03% by proposing six position reductions, adding $100,000 for a school-choice system replacement, and accounting for midyear special-education tuition increases.
Robert Stevenson, chair of the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District school committee, led a budget discussion after staff presented a revised FY26 proposal.
Nick, presenting the finance overview, said the recommended budget would total $30,065,869 and lower the projected percent increase from a level-service 5.03% to 3.93% by proposing six position reductions and other adjustments. "That's about $250,000 less than what you saw in the original level service budget," he said.
The presenter attributed part of the increase in projected expenditures to two midyear special-education tuition hikes from out-of-district placements; he said those increases could add roughly $89,000 to next year's costs if the students remain in those settings. He also outlined proposed personnel changes that include five Unit A teaching positions and one Unit D position among the reductions and noted some savings would come from planned staff attrition.
The budget includes an added $100,000 to the school-choice line to cover a possible replacement of the SRSPA system, described as nearing the end of its useful life. The presenter said he reached out to state Senator Mark Paul to request an earmark but cautioned any state fund would only reduce the district's borrowing need if awarded. "I emailed Senator Mark on Friday afternoon," the presenter said, "and he actually emailed me back on Friday night."
Committee members asked for follow-up detail on which specific positions would be cut and how those reductions would affect students. One committee member asked to meet with administration before next week's vote to review the six positions and their student-impact analysis; the chair encouraged continued discussion and said the committee has repeatedly reviewed staffing options through the finance subcommittee over multiple years.
Nick recommended $600,000 for a Woodland boiler replacement (with contingency) and described a $192,000 estimate for the track repair. He suggested a 10-year bond for the boiler and a five-year borrowing for the track, while warning that longer debt could affect the district's bond rating.
The committee did not vote on the budget at this meeting; the chair said a formal vote is scheduled for the next meeting. The presenter said audit reports and a few items for potential surplus or grants policy votes will be presented in April.
