Wethersfield Board of Education proposes 4.48% FY27 budget, highlights early-literacy hires and a $75,000 review

WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — The Wethersfield Board of Education presented a $70,490,000 spending plan for fiscal 2027 that would raise the district budget by 4.48 percent, or roughly $3.02 million, according to Superintendent Jeff Whibbey.

The draft budget, Whibbey told the Town Council on March 16, is largely driven by personnel costs: salaries and benefits represent about 82.2 percent of the proposed total — roughly $57.9 million — and account for 92.5 percent of the year-over-year increase. Whibbey said the board’s budget is “one of the regionally and the district resource group lowest proposed budgets for fiscal year 27.”

Why it matters: The spending plan prioritizes early literacy and targeted intervention, a strategy the superintendent argued will improve long-term academic outcomes and reduce later remediation costs. Whibbey proposed hiring five K–4 reading intervention teachers, one kindergarten literacy paraeducator for each elementary school, and a $75,000 outside service-delivery audit focused on high-needs learners.

“We’re sticking to priorities and paramount needs,” Matt Lacovole, the board’s vice chair and finance committee chair, said at the presentation, adding that Wethersfield spends less per pupil than many peer towns but performs comparatively well on the accountability index.

Details: Whibbey said the district’s cost per pupil is $19,741. Key line-item changes include a $136,000 increase in transportation, a $60,000 rise in pupil services for additional consultations and evaluations, and a $105,000 reduction in technology equipment spending.

Council questions and next steps: Councilors pressed administrators for updated insurance numbers and potential state aid changes; the superintendent said insurance premiums can fluctuate and that a clearer renewal picture is expected in April. Officials also discussed out-of-district special-education placements and noted the district expects to receive about 70 percent reimbursement under current state formulas but urged continued lobbying for increased excess-cost aid.

Public reaction and data requests: During public comment, resident Robert Young asked for a detailed, itemized financial breakdown tied to a separate proposed $239 million school referendum and said he would file a Freedom of Information request if the town did not acknowledge his request. Jamie Lang, a local educator, praised the administration for avoiding layoffs and for prioritizing stability for early-career teachers.

What’s next: The Board of Education will return to the council for a public hearing on April 20 and additional workshops; the council and the board will continue to refine estimates as insurance renewals and state-aid decisions firm up.

Budget in brief: proposed total $70,490,000; proposed increase 4.48%; salaries & benefits ≈82.2% of budget; five K–4 reading interventionists requested; $75,000 external review requested.