East Lyme board approves $1.197 million in reductions for 2026–27 budget after debate over buses and personnel

The East Lyme Board of Education voted June 15 to approve $1,197,775 in reductions proposed for the 2026–27 budget.

Administrators presented the list of savings necessary after referendum outcomes and other adjustments. The packet restored a 1.0 high-school library secretary (a retirement position) and a 1.0 middle-school guidance counselor previously held as a one-year position; those restorations were possible because of late adjustments in revenue and staffing changes. Administrators emphasized that the top portion of the list avoids layoffs; several positions were managed through resignations and retirements so that no current employee would lose employment as part of these cuts.

Board members questioned transportation reductions and the impact on bus routes and student ride times. Several members urged a careful review of routes and said they want post-implementation checks; one board member suggested studying an opt‑in model for high-school runs as other districts have trialed.

A motion to approve the top half of the reduction list (totaling $1,197,775) was made and seconded; the motion carried with no recorded abstentions. Administrators said they would continue to report impacts and that any one-time surplus remaining after year-end decisions could be considered later for non-lapsing or return to the town.

Administrators also described year-to-year variance in staffing costs (vacancies and late hires) that contributed to the current projection of available funds and cautioned that the current surplus is partially driven by unfilled positions and timing differences.