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Superintendent outlines roughly 5.25% proposed budget increase and flags grant cuts
Summary
Superintendent Jeffrey Sousa told the board the proposed budget increase is about 5.25%, citing inflation, healthcare and reduced Excess Cost Grant revenue; he also reported the district expects an unanticipated DRIP payment (~$47,000), a SEED grant (~$50,000) and urged restoration of a discontinued EdAdvance mental-health grant.
Superintendent Jeffrey Sousa told the New Hartford Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 15 that the district’s current preliminary budget request reflects an approximate 5.25% increase driven by inflation, employee healthcare costs, transportation and a projected decrease in Excess Cost Grant revenue.
Sousa said district leaders have sent advocacy letters about several funding items. He reported the DRIP grant payment is expected to be about $47,000 and available by the end of the year; the SEED grant is about $50,000 and intended to support special-education staffing. Sousa also noted that a regional mental-health grant administered through EdAdvance — described in the meeting as roughly $8 million distributed across the region over five years — has been discontinued and the district has asked state and federal officials to consider restoring support. The board has sent letters to local and federal contacts, including Senator Chris Murphy and members of the Bond Commission, urging that cuts to Title I, II or III funding be avoided because they directly affect students.
Superintendent Sousa set Feb. 3, 2026 for the formal Superintendent’s Budget Proposal at a regular board meeting. He also noted that the district is completing required 'Tools for School' and indoor air-quality documentation; the district will work with CONN-OSHA on a preventive review following a surprise Region 7 OSHA visit. The board recorded the non-lapsing fund balance at $217,452 and noted that the $28,500 SPA contract will be taken from that balance.
