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Preston Board approves 3.75% FY27 budget increase after debate over possible cuts to student supports
Summary
After public pleas to protect social workers and psychologists, the Preston Board of Education voted 6–1 on March 9 to raise the FY27 spending proposal by 3.75% to $15,653,741 and send it to the Board of Finance; earlier a 4.04% proposal failed 6–1.
The Preston Board of Education voted 6–1 on March 9 to increase its proposed FY27 spending request by 3.75, bringing the proposed budget to $15,653,741 and forwarding it to the town Board of Finance.
The decision followed a lengthy budget discussion and public comment period in which parents, teachers and community members urged the board not to cut student supports such as paraeducators, school social workers and school psychologists. Superintendent Dr. Roy Seitsinger told the board the district expects a DRIP grant of “about $47,000 in June” that can be used for small repairs, and Director of Finance Cindy Varricchio reviewed acceptable budget risks and cautioned that deeper cuts would affect staff FTEs.
Why it matters: Board members and members of the public warned that further reductions could remove direct student services. Teacher and parent Vicky Spicer asked the board to consider “how many students will this affect when making budget decisions?” and other commenters said they did not want services cut from students to protect administrative positions.
Board action and vote tally: The board considered two competing increases. A motion to raise the budget by 4.04% (moved by Charles Raymond, seconded by Kelly McNamara) failed on a recorded vote with Raymond voting yes and six members voting no. Later, a motion to increase the FY27 request by 3.75% (moved by Heather Helwig, seconded by Nicole Serra) carried with six members in favor (Helwig, Serra, Dan Harris, McNamara, Raymond and Andrew Koniecko) and one opposed (Chair Courtney Ennis). The board then voted to extend the meeting to continue business.
Public concerns and transparency: Public commenters pressed for transparency and complete disclosure of budget and FOIA-related records. Community members raised outstanding FOIA requests; Bill Holmes and a written comment from Birdie Savage asked the board to ensure timely responses and to intervene if correspondence related to prior FOIA requests remains missing. The board acknowledged the community concern and Varricchio said grant information and non-lapsing-fund rules would be included in the packet presented to the Board of Finance.
Other business: Superintendent Seitsinger presented a draft 2026–27 school calendar, noting changes tied to five snow days this year and that the last day of school will be Wednesday, June 17 (Grade 8 graduation June 16). Principals Chris Pickett (PPMS) and Ray Bernier (PVMS) reported on student activities, testing and upcoming events; Director of Student Services Craig King noted OLSAT testing had been mailed for scoring and discussed grant applications for special education programs.
What’s next: The 3.75% FY27 request will be sent to the town Board of Finance for further review and possible adjustment. The board plans to review the 2026–27 calendar at its April meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
